informs E. G. S. that glycerine or honey-soap is very good for the skin in cold weather, about 6d. a cake, may be bought of chemists. E. W. also informs Sarah Ann, that in using Judson's Dyes, the article absorbs the colour so that they may be taken out with the hands, and suspended upon a line; the colour will not run, nothing but clear water will drop from them. E. W.'s experience only extends to ribbons, but she is charmed with her success so far, very dirty, old ribbons (satin in particular) turned out almost equal to new. E. W. has ironed them between two pieces of old longcloth when half dry. E. W. is charmed with the magazine, and looks forward to it every month with pleasure. The "Stories of the Operas" especially are very interesting; she hopes they will be long continued. E. W. hopes there may be some point-lace patterns soon, a pocket handkerchief pattern in pointlace (not Honiton) will be acceptable where the braid does not require so much joining. [The "Lady of the Lake" has been dramatised by Mr. Andrew Halliday, and was produced at Drury Lane in 1872. Another version of the same poem, by Mr. Charles Webb, has been repeatedly played in Glasgow. "Rokeby" was popular as a play some years ago. Rossini's " Donna del Lago" is an operatic version of the former poem.]

"

FREDA writes: I have just received the January magazine, and find only one coloured plate. This is the sixth number I have had with only one plate during the last year. I was not aware of the omission until looking at a friend's number, and to my surprise, found two coloured plates in every one. Mine have not been removed by the stationer, but simply omitted in binding. May I suggest that some reference be made to each pattern (as well as fashion plate) for instance: 2. What are the two dolls in this month's magazine intended for? I wish you every success with the new year. Your magazine is always anxiously looked for here. The cut-out patterns are always accurate and a great convenience to your country subscribers. 3. Will you sometime before summer give a pattern for a gentleman's white waistcoat. I think with the aid of a machine one might easily make one. This has been a sad Christmas to many. proposes, but God disposes." [We shall look carefully after the binding in future. 2. The descriptions are given on p. 46; Suggestions for Dressing Dolls. 3. You would find it almost impossible to make a gentleman's white waistcoat to fit.]

"Man

B. H. B. has the following music to exchange for something useful or for thirty (2s. 6d.) stamps. Mill May (Crosby); Rock Me to Sleep, Mother (Christy's) song; The Wearing of the Green (Guernsey); The Brook, words by Tennyson (Dolores); waltz, L'Etoile du Nord (Meyerbeer); The Captive Greek Girl (Miss Pardoe); Oh Would I Were a Bird (Christy's) song; Cherry Ripe (C. E. Horn); Fleurettes Lyriques "La Favourita" (F. X. Clervatal); Paul et Virginia, waltz (Jullien); All Things Love Thee (C. E. Horn); Les Dames de Seville, waltz (old) (C. Schubert); Popping the Question (Caulfield); Come Home, Father (Christy's) song; Some One to Love (Thomas); Laughing Jennie (F. Buckley.) I have THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for August, 1874, to sell for six stamps. Address, Miss B. H. Beaumont, Post Office, Bury St. Edmunds.

JESSIE CLYDE thinks that she might be able to suggest some pretty thing for a bazaar, which she hopes may be of use to Clarie. She might make a wine basket crystallized with alum. It is made in this way-Make the basket in any shape, according to fancy, with strong iron wire, then wind coloured wool very closely over the wire, and dip it in a very thick syrup made of alum dissolved in boiling water. Hang it up to dry with a piece of string; when quite dry the alum will form large crystals, which are very pretty. A moss gipsy kettle is

a very nice inexpensive thing for the purpose. Procure a round basket and sew pretty moss all over the outside, then push all the roots inside the basket, fill it with mould, and plant ferns or any pretty plant that grows easily. Take three sticks and glue moss all over them, then tie them together at one end and hang the basket to them with coloured ribbon, gipsy fashion. This is rather troublesome to make, but is very pretty and generally sells well.

AMY writes-Can you, or any of your correspondents, tell me who Jane Shore was, and what crime she committed? She is mentioned frequently in Mrs. H. Wood's "In the Maze." I have only just commenced taking your magazine, and like it immensely. Before I conclude I must ask you to be kind enough to give me your opinion of my writing. [Jane Shore was the wife of a London goldsmith much her elder. Her great beauty unfortunately attracted the attention of Edward IV., and she was unable to resist the attractions of a life so much gayer than her quiet London home with her elderly husband. She was much persecuted by Richard III. (See John Heneage Jesse's

Richard III. and his Contemporaries," a very curious book). She was of a very humane disposition. She lived to be ninety-two, and was seen in her old age by Sir Thomas More, receiving a dole from the convent at Godstone. Even then she was very handsome. The story of her dying in a ditch is not true. She was found dead on her knees before the high altar at Godstone. She assumed the name of Anne Goodchilde. This fact is stated in an entry in the diary of Sister Latimer of Godstone. The story of her long and friendless after life goes far to make her nineteenth century critics deal gently with the sin of her youth, to which her splendid beauty so fatally led. We cannot answer questions about our correspondents' writing. If we were once to begin we should be deluged with similar queries.]

A NEW SUBSCRIBER writes-Having, as you suggested, but unsuccessfully, applied to the Librarian of the British Museum to inform me of the name of pamphlet, map, or journal, in which was published some few years since the names of the Hundreds and Manors of the royal county of Berks, I shall still esteem it a favour, if in the Drawing room of your YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, yourself, or any of your contributors can give me the information I am seeking. [The search necessary to answer your enquiry might occupy two or three days. You had better employ a reader at the Museum to find the name of the publication. A reader advertised a short time ago in the Athenæum.]

M. H. O., Epping, has a number of songs and pieces left which she will be pleased to send as before, for 3d. each, including postage, amongst which are the following, all quite clean Rest in the Lord, Gates Ajar, Better Land, Spirit Song, How beautiful upon the Mountains, Greeting (Mendelsshon); Cujas Animam, Les Cloches, by Wely, Wedding March, Little Bunch of Roses, I will not heed her Warning, and many others also suitable for children. Will send list.

E. D. H. would like to exchange the following songs, which are all in good condition, for pieces of silk and velvet, both coloured, for patchwork, size 4 inches by 2 inches, or larger; she would give one song for six pieces of silk. There's a path by the River (Loder); Bird of the Greenwood (W. V. Wallace); The Sands o' Dee (Blockley); So the Story goes (Molloy); The Heart's best Dream (H. Stuart); Won't You Tell Me Why, Robin? (Claribel); Speed, speed, my Swift Vessel (J. Benedict); Tired (Miss Lindsay); Forgive and Forget (F. Buckley); The Summer Bloom hath passed away (C. G. Hay); The Last Fond Look (J. L. Hatton).-Address, E. D. H., Post Office, Bridport, Dorsetshire.

A. B. writes to dispose of the following music-Carina (Walter Macfarren), Is. ; La Rose de Valencia (Oesten), Is. ; Jupiter Galop

(Charles Coote, Jun.), 6d. ; Le Repos des Fées. Nocturne (F. St. Julien), 9d.; The Troubadour's Song (Carl Lunie), Is. 3d.; Dew Drops (James Bellak), 3d.; Don Pasquale (T. Oesten), Is. 6d.; Greek Pirates Chorus (Rudolf Nordman), IS. Songs: Marjorie's Almanack (Charlotte H. Sainton-Dolby). Is. 3d.; Evening (S. Austen Pearce, M.B.), 6d.; Bright Star of Eve, Arise (W. T. Wrighton), Is. A. B. would be very glad if in a future number some patterns of raised crochet for antimacassars could be given; she has seen one worked to represent grapes and vine leaves; if the direction for working it could be given, she would be very glad, as she has long wished for it. A. B. is much pleased with the magazine, and thinks it improves each year. She greatly enjoyed reading "Marjorie's Quest," and hopes the new tale will prove equally interesting.Address, A. B., 79, High Street, Braintree, Essex. [Some more crochet patterns will soon appear, with directions.]

M. W. has the Polonaise Lace Book quite new, which she would exchange for any illuminating instruction book (except De Lara's). M. W. would also give a pretty hand-cut lamp shade for a thread photograph frame, or for Bemrose's book on paper rosette work.

AMY has the "Young Ladies' Journal " for 1874, fashion plates, supplements, and patterns complete, not soiled or torn in the least, which she would like to exchange for THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN with patterns, etc., for 1874, in perfect order.-Address, Miss. W., 29, Trafalgar Road, Egremont, Cheshire.

JESSIE CLYDE would send a packet containing 20 roots of Devonshire ferns, 6 varieties for 12 stamps; or, if preferred, half the number for 6 stamps, post-free.-Address, Miss Clyde, Northdown Lodge, Bideford, Devon. Jessie Clyde wrote to Heather Bell in November, and had her letter returned, marked, "No such place as Eddeston."

HEATHER BELL regrets very much that S. K.'s application for fern roots should have found its way to the Dead Letter Office, being the only one (out of very many) that did so. If S. K. would address Edderton, instead of Eddeston she will still be supplied,

META writes:-If any of your correspondents would like the numbers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, half price, for the years 1873 and 1874, I shall be glad to supply them, but do not care to dispose of odd numbers. I have nearly all the diagram sheets for each month. I think the magazine would be more generally useful, if the "Household Hints" were continued, instead of the chapter on "Education of Girls."-Address, Meta, Post Office, Kilburn, Oswaldkirk, York.

S. RENDLE writes :-I have several back numbers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN (four last of 1870, all of 1871, 1872, and 1873 with the exception of October; these contain, "An Old Fashioned Girl," "Little Women,' "Good Wives." I shall be glad to receive offers for them all, or part, but should prefer the former. -Address, S. Rendle, Treverbegn, Forest Hill, S.E.

LIBERAL wishes to dispose of the following songs: Forget Me Not, 1s. 6d. ; The Nightingale's Trill, 1s; If I Had Some One to Love Me, 6d. ; Ever of Thee, IS. Liberal will sell them, separately or together, they are quite new. Address enclosed. I must also add I have taken your journal for some time, and I think it is an exceedingly useful journal, and I like it very much. [Liberal must send her address again. It was either not enclosed, or has been mislaid.]

RUSSELL has the two following pretty songs and pieces to dispose of-viz., Won't You Tell Me Why, Robin? (Claribel), March in Norma (Bellini), both in good condition. Russell would like in exchange the following, The Imperial Galop, and Mayflower (by T. Oesten) Address, Russell, Newport, Pembrokeshire.

AN N eminent man has passed away from us : not one of the great men whose deeds and fame afford material for the panegyrics of the historian-for marble monuments and elaborate orations; but a great man in the sense that he led a grand life of devotion to duty-that his conscience having approved of a certain line of conduct as best fitting his nature and opportunities, he followed it steadfastly, and maintained it stoutly. In position he was only a country clergyman, holding, besides, a canonry in Westminster Abbey, preaching, except during his residentiary month there, chiefly to a village congregation, by whom he was loved as few pastors are loved; and on those comparatively rare occasions when his voice was heard in a larger area, listened to by a crowd of intellectual men and women, who acknowledged in him a teacher having a deep sympathy with their humanity, while he pointed the way to a development of spirituality.

Charles Kingsley, who now, so much as is mortal of him, lies at rest under the yews of the beautiful little churchyard at Eversley, close to the vicarage wall, was a poet as well as a preacher-a novelist who depicted the emotions and passions of our common nature with rare fidelity, and who discerned the elements of heroism where others, less quick-sighted and sympathetic, might have failed to discover it. Some of his songs will live in all collections of our lyric poetry; some of his novels contain characters which stand out with a reality we can discover in none but the work of master hands. He had not the subtlety nor suggestiveness some other writers

of the present day evince; he was too earnest in his convictions, too robust in his intellectual grasp, to mistake the real source and value of the actions he described. He did not believe in the morbid growth of the faculties as the ideal of human nature; but preached very emphatically, in the pulpit and out of it, the doctrine of "a sound mind in a sound body." He believed that they were essentially allied, and that the healthy, active exercise of the bodily and mental faculties was an act of obedience, almost of worship.

The hermit theory, of Christianity being "out of the world," found no favour in Kingsley's eyes; neither did the treasure theory, that of locking up Christian graces for special and Sabbath use only. We are, he taught, to take them into the daily avocations of life; always to be true to our convictions; always doing with our might the good work readiest to hand, and doing it with such a spirit of cheerfulness as should be shown by those who dwell in a very beautiful and wonderful world, and who have, if they understand their nature rightly, very beau tiful and wonderful work to do.

One lesson of Kingsley's was of life-long teaching, and it is the teaching and nourishment of all true souls. Do right because it is right, not because you hope to gain anything by doing it, or for fear of losing anything if you fail to do them. If we would only analyze our motives carefully, how frequently would some of the best among us discover that we profess to be good, even try to be good, because if we did not we should lose caste, or suffer some social inconvenience? Even if, in spite of all our

attempts at self-deception, we cannot quite disguise from our own consciences the fact that our heart is not quite in the work we have undertaken, we strive very hard to maintain appearances-keep, at least, our hand on the plough, if we do not help materially to make a straight furrow; for, if we did not, Mrs. A might look askance, Miss B give us unmistakeably the cold shoulder, and the Rev. Mr. C regard us with a dismal pity. Do it because you know you ought to do it, taught Charles Kingsley, and if you feel that you cannot do it heartily from that motive alone, don't pretend to do it, but stand modestly aside, though" all the world wonders" and looks reproachfully. Wherever a wrong exists, it is the work of the truly religious man or woman to try to remove it, whether it is a political, or social, or an intellectual wrong. And this strong, keen-eyed, vigorous man looked about him well, and saw many wrongs sadly in need of righting. No doubt he was sometimes tempted to say with Hamlet: "The world is out of joint, oh wretched spite That ever I was born to set it right."

But his was not the melancholy mood of despair; he was not daunted because the whole of the desired work was impracticable, but he knew that he was born to do what he could, and bravely he set to work, with all the "muscular Christianity" of his earnest, energetic nature.

Intense love of nature, alike in its grand and minute form, was a marked feature of his character. When a boy, he delighted to scale the rocks and explore the coast wonders of beautiful Clovelley. His strong limbs and healthy lungs made him an athlete, and they helped him to be an observer of the wonders, great and small, of nature. He knew the sea-weeds and the microscopic shells, as he knew the granite rocks, the mosses, and the lichens of the Devonshire moorlands; and by force of imagination he realized to himself so exactly the grandeur and beauty of tropical scenery, that few of his readers could suppose he had never visited the "pleasant isle of Aves, beside the Spanish main," which his Buccaneer sighs for in the powerful and pathetic ballad; and when Kingsley himself visited the West Indies, later in life, he found that he had but little to learn by actual experience of the marvellous loveliness of the lands of the tropics.

It would be an absurdity which Kingsley himself would have been the last to sanction, to say that he was free from mistakes of judgment. Eager and impulsive, generous and sympathizing, he sometimes misunderstood the real causes of the evils he lamented so deeply, and strove so energetically to remove. In early life especially, he believed too easily in the alleged oppression by classes; he gave his earnest advocacy to support the theory that by merely shuffling the cards, public and private virtue might be almost ensured, and he undervalued the causes for which the poorer classes are themselves too often answerable, which help to make them so poor and wretched, and attributed too readily to the inequality in political privileges, the misery and degradation he saw around him. Clearer views came with advancing years, and he

saw and taught that to the increase of individual goodness, faith, and courage, we must look for the elements of social and national happiness.

Now, why have we written so much about Charles Kingsley in these pages, not ordinarily devoted to homilies and spiritual biographies? Our answer is, because a good, large-hearted man, who loved his kind, who carried his religion in his heart, and preached it by his life, and in many ways besides direct exhortation and reproof, has passed away from us, not without leaving memorials of himself in happy homes, where he is spoken of by thousands who never saw him, with affection and regard. His teaching had very much of the spirit of the parables, for he made the work and experience of our daily life the theme of his practical discourse; and sometimes with a fiction, sometimes with a song, taught how nearly our lives are allied to the divine. Many a verse of his is really a text; and such a verse was before us when we took pen in hand. What we write will be read by young Englishwomen, and Kingsley's one verse contains more food for reflection than many a long sermon:

"Be good, dear child; and let who will be clever;
Do noble things, not dream them all day long!
Thus making life, death, and that vast forever,
One grand sweet song."

The higher qualities of mind, the finer intellectual powers, the vivid imagination, the gifts of poetry and song, the subtle perception of beauty which gives birth to art, are not the gift of all-the portion, indeed, of but a few; but all can be good, all loving, all tender, sympa thetic, unselfish, and generous. At least, if not, the measure of human depravity is greater than we are willing to allow; but all can try to possess and exhibit these qualities; and what a much happier world it would be if they were more frequently exhibited! Talent, like great beauty, cannot be attained, if nature has denied it; but even a homely face, if lighted up with an amiable, genial expression, is more attractive than "Cleopatra's majesty," if pride, malice, and unwomanliness leave their impress on the regal features. We could well dispense, in our parlours and pleasant social meetings, with the intellectual power that can solve a mathematical problem that would puzzle the Senior Wrangler of the year, the wonderful manipulation of the keys of the pianoforte, which achieves all the difficulties which Liszt or Bülow could devise, but leaves out all the expressive soul of the music. But sad, indeed, would it be for us, if we were deprived of the innocent gaiety, the unobtrusive but active kindness, the affectionate nature of the "maids of merry England," as the song has it; and we should not be very merry without those who are content to "be good, and let who will be clever," who make a sunshine in many a shady place, who link “life, death, and the vast forever" in a grand sweet song, by doing their best to make the life they now enjoy, and which we enjoy with them, happier and purer, braver and less selfish, by their influence and example.