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DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL NOTES.

T the Holborn Amphitheatre Mr. Hollingshead has revived the "Maid's Tragedy" of Beaumont and Fletcher, with Mr. Creswick, Mr. Pennington, and Miss Leighton in the principal characters. The revival of this fine old piece should prove very attractive.

There has been a change at each of the theatres under Mr. Chatterton's direction. At Drury Lane the grand spectacular drama of "Rebecca," adapted from Scott's. "Ivanhoe," has been brought out again, with all the brilliancy and splendour of scenic effect which characterized its original production; the two grand scenes of the Battle in the Ruins, and Robin Hood with his merry men in the greenwood, are still among the chief attractions of the piece, and serve to display in a very striking manner the astonishing capacities of the house, and the enormous number of the staff employed. The part of Isaac the Jew, originally played by Mr. Phelps, is now taken by Mr. James Fernandez, while the part of the heroine falls to Miss Genevieve Ward. The opening of the Christmas pantomime is played as the afterpiece, in which the Vokes family are, if possible, funnier than ever.

At the Princess's "The Lancashire Lass" has been revived, and for those who like a realistic sensation piece, powerfully acted, here is a treat. For ourselves we cannot help feeling that the play is decidely an unsatisfactory one; the story is wildly improbable, everything being sacrificed for the sake of sensational effects and strong situations, and the characters are altogether about as unloveable specimens of humanity as one could find. One can feel no sympathy with any one of them. The play has, however, the advantage of being remarkably well acted, Miss Lydia Foote, Mrs. Alfred Mellon, and Messrs. Emery, Belmore, Shore, etc., being in the cast. At the Adelphi "Uncle Tom's Cabin" has been revived, and though it will hardly excite the interest which was attached to it when originally brought out, it has sufficient intrinsic merit to warrant its reproduction. At the Globe," Lady Audley's Secret" has been revived, with Miss Louisa Moore in the character of the heroine. We are glad to see this young lady back on the London stage; she has been away for some years, and has returned to us greatly improved. Mr. Lionel Brough takes the part of Luke Marks, and Miss Kathleen Irwin that of Phoebe. The famous burlesque of "Blue Beard," with Miss Thompson as the principal attraction, still flourishes, and the songs and dances seem to win more and more applause every night the piece is played.

At several of the theatres the bills are unchanged. "Hamlet" still fills the Lyceum. Mrs. Bancroft has had no occasion to withdraw "Sweethearts" from the stage of the Prince of Wales'. The Royalty has opened under the direction of Miss Dolaro, with Offenbach's "La Perichole." The music is bright and pretty, and it

is well put on the stage, but there is much in the piece that is in questionable taste. At the Vaudeville "Our Boys" is drawing good houses; and at the Olympic the "Two Orphans" appear to have lost none of their popularity.

The period in the theatrical season that follows close upon the withdrawal of the Christmas pantomimes, is usually more full of interest than any other. The present year shows no exception to this rule. During the whole of the past twelve months, there has not been a time when the London theatres, all round, have provided such an embarrassing choice of first-rate perform ances. Seldom, during our recollection of things theatrical, has there been such a number of pieces going on simultaneously that will amply repay sitting out to the fall of the curtain, and it is most cheering to the lovers of the drama, in the midst of all that we hear talked about of the decay of theatrical taste, both before and behind the curtain, to find that this is the case to note, that we have actors and actresses too who are capable of something better than senseless burlesque or questionable opera bouffe, and that there are audiences to be found who will appreciate and listen with pleasure to a good play well acted. Foremost among theatrical managers to feel the pulse of the public taste, and note its improved condition, is Mr. John Hollingshead, who at the three theatres which acknowledge his sway-the Gaiety, the Opera Comique, and the Holborn Amphitheatre-has just produced a trio of pieces of the very best and most interesting kind, old standard plays revived, and has so cast them as to insure their being acted at least with care and intelligence. At the Gaiety, indeed, one would hardly have expected such a change. The "Merry Wives of Windsor," admirably acted, by an unusually strong company, was attractive enough to have held the stage till Easter, or even longer, had such a policy been deemed desirable. But by substituting the "Midsummer Night's Dream," Mr. Hollingshead was able to keep an equally good programme, and also to strengthen his company at the Opera Comique, as notably in the case of Mr. Cecil, whose Dr. Caius, in the "Merry Wives," was one of the best acted parts in the performance. It will be strange, indeed, if the "Midsummer Night's Dream" do not prove a strong card at the Gaiety, for there are some unusually good points about it. First and foremost, of course, is Mr. Phelps's inimitable performance of Bottom. Most theatre-goers are familiar with this magnificent piece of acting from the comparatively recent performance at the Queen's, and it is enough to say that Mr. Phelps acts the part here with the same marvellous humour as distinguished it there. Now, as then, Bottom's awaking with the sort of dim distant idea of the ass's head that has so recently adorned his shoulders, is pourtrayed with a care

which almost errs upon the side of too great elaboration. But Bottom is not the only attraction in the piece. The clowns are all good, Mr. C. Lyall's face of abject terror, as he mangles his prologue before the Duke, and Mr. Righton's look of utter silliness, when, as Flute, he personates the heroine Thisbe, are in themselves worth a visit to the Gaiety. Miss Marion West makes a really charming Puck, full of grace and brightness, while the mischievous elfish side of the character is never lost sight of. Miss Loseby makes a superb Oberon, and sings the music set down for her with all all her well-known ability, and Miss Ritta is a most dainty Titania, followed by a band of fairies worthy of their queen; while the bewildered and bewildering lovers find able representatives. One thing, however, and that an important one, calls for improvement. Hardly any of the actors, except Mr. Belford, who plays Theseus, appear to have any idea of the exquisite beauty of the lines they have to speak. The lovely poetry in which Shakespeare here seems to revel should be treated more reverently. At all events, it should be spoken distinctly. The scenery and appointments are sufficiently good, and the dresses are tasteful, and the musical embellishments, both vocal and instrumental, are most charmingly given.

"She Stoops to Conquer," at the Opera Comique, is supported by a very good company. Mrs. Kendal makes a capital Miss Hardcastle, and keeps up the fun of her assumed character of barmaid with the greatest spirit. She is ably seconded by her husband as young Marlow, and by Mr. Cecil, whose Tony Lumpkin is thoroughly original in conception, and full of humour. The old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle, are most ably represented by Mr. Mackan and Mrs. Leigh.

The musical season is fast attaining its full development. The Crystal Palace Concerts, and the Monday and Saturday Popular Concerts, after the usual Christmas recess, are now in their full vigour. Mr. Henry Leslie's first concert took place on the 18th of this month. The Philharmonic and the British Orchestral Society have each put forth their programmes, and the season of benefit concerts is almost upon us. Soon we shall have the culmination in the opening of the two opera houses, and Mr. Mapleson will commence his farewell season in the Drury prior to the opening of his grand lyric temple on the Thames Embankment.

Two deaths darken the opening of the musical season. One is that of Sir Sterndale Bennett, the greatest English composer of our time; the other, Signor Agnesi, whose talent and versatility had gained him wide popularity as a singer. The remains of the great English composer found an appropriate resting-place in Westminster Abbey, by the side of his tuneful predecessors, Purcell and Croft, and were followed thither by a vast throng of the lovers of sweet sounds. Though his later years had brought forth little fruit in the way of composition, Sterndale Bennett was never dethroned from the proud place he gained when a mere youth, and there is no one among

us who can fill it. Due homage was paid to his memory at the Monday Popular Concert of the 15th inst., when the first part of the programme was occupied by selections from his works. At the opening concert of the British Orchestral Society a similar tribute is to be paid, and we shall have an opportunity of hearing some of the orchestral music by which he won his earliest and greatest fame.

The Crystal Palace Concerts still retain their pre-eminence. The band, from constant practice and playing together, is at the very highest point of excellence, and each concert brings forward something interesting. Thus, the concert of the 15th was marked by the re-appearance of the great violinist, Herr Joachim, who gave, in magnificent style, Spohr's concerto No. 6, and a Notturno in A of his own composition, for violin and small orchestra. Another interesting item in the scheme was Bach's suit for orchestra in C, while Beethoven's B flat symphony served as the piece de resistance, At the following concert, Herr von Bulow was the solo instrumentalist, and he introduced a concerto by Moscheles, in G minor, which has for some time been neglected, but which we may hope soon to hear repeated. Another interesting feature was a suite de piens by Lachner, a composer whose name is somewhat unfamiliar here, but whose power is unquestionable. The scheme also included the usual proportion of recent music. Beethoven's picturesque "Egmont" overture, and Mendelssohn's "Melosine."

The Sacred Harmonic Society gave a remarkably interesting concert on the 5th; the programme including three important works widely different in style and character. These were Mozart's First Mass, Spohr's "Christian's Prayer," and Mendelssohn's "Athalie." Of these the first and the last came in for the largest share of public favour. Both are tolerably familiar, and though the Mass is somewhat wanting in grandeur and solemnity, its tunefulness recommends it to everyone, and the "Agnes Dei," which it contains, is one of the accepted gems of sacred music. Sung with exquisite taste by Miss Edith Wynne, it proved the most attractive item in the concert. The success of the "Athalie " music was owing chiefly to the band and chorus, who were thoroughly well up to their work, and were directed with unusual ability by Sir Michael Costa. The principals seemed to want fire and animation, but the spoken lines were very finely delivered by Mr. Ryder, one of the few among our living actors who know how to declaim blank verse. The "Christian's Prayer" has never been a great favourite, and on this occasion it fell somewhat flat.

The new series of concerts which has been commenced since Christmas at the Albert Hall, promises to be more successful than the gigantic scheme which last autumn was put out by Messrs. Novello and Co. The concerts are now only two in each week, a popular ballad concert being given each Saturday, the other concert being alternately of classical and oratorio music.

OUR WORK-ROOM.

RULES AND REGULATIONS. All letters requiring answers in the following month's issue must be forwarded to SYLVIA, CARE of EDITOR, before the fifth of each month.

2. All letters asking questions should be written on one side only of the paper, and a space should be left for each answer.

3. In writing for advice as to the making up and altering of dresses, it is advisable to mention height, complexion, and colour of hair, in order that the best combinations of colour may be given.

4. Photographs sent for this purpose cannot be returned, unless accompanied by a stamped directed envelope.

No charge is made for replies to any question in the Work-room: it is open to all comers, and all are welcome.

M. B. would feel obliged to Sylvia for her help. She has a lavender silk dress, train, and very much gored, a tight body and tight sleeves. What can she do to make it fashionable and hide the soiled body-not for full evening dress, but as useful dress for dinner or evening? M. B. is not in mourning; she has had the dress for some years, and wants some way of wearing it out. Height, 4 feet inches; hair, auburn; complexion, fair. [Wear a beaded lace cuirasse and tunic over the dress. Cut the body en cœur. Cut the sleeves short to the elbow, and trim with deep beaded lace and black net. Wear very pale mauve bows of a shade that will go with the colour of your dress.]

PHILLIS would be glad if Sylvia will kindly tell her how to put the down into the petticoats. A friend has some white down from Russia, and wishes to know if it will answer for a petticoat. I read in last number that a person sent to Edderton for ferns, and her letter was returned. I wrote, sent six stamps, and had a nice bundle of ferns and bundle of heather in a few days afterwards. [Prepare the lining and outside, tack both together at the bottom. Lay on a table with the inside downwards, place a layer of down about three inches wide, fold over the outside upon it, and run the outside and lining together, repeating this process until you have the down as high as you wish to place it. The down from Russia will do.]

LITTLE NELL wishes to know if she could wear a beaded polonaise this spring, and if it would be fashionable; also, where she could get a pretty pattern for her polonaise. Little Nell does not know if there is any charge made for answering questions. Will the Editor kindly give the information required next month? [Yes. Madame Goubaud supplies paper patterns of all descriptions. See price-list on pattern sheet.]

ELLEN would feel much obliged to Sylvia if she will answer the following questions-1. What can she do with a shabby black silk short walking dress, to make it tidy for the spring. The front width has five narrow frills, above each frill two bands of black ribbon velvet 1 inch wide, plain back; tunic open in front, one frill round and one band of velvet; plain bodice, with large coat sleeve, trimmed with velvet. It is not worth going to much expense. The skirt has never been turned. I have several odd pieces of silk. Ellen is 5 feet two inches, clear complexion, bright colour, brown hair. 2. Also, what would Sylvia advise for the shoulders of a girl four years

old? 3. And how to make a print walking
dress for the same? 4. Ellen has a plain black
silk long skirt, quite new, and seven yards of
silk by her for bodice. What would Sylvia ad-
vise to make it a handsome dress for best? 5.
Have I written according to the rules? [1. You
must take the silk entirely to pieces, picking out
all the threads. Then sponge every piece tho-
roughly in clean water in which you have dipped
the blue-bag pretty freely. Fold the pieces
smoothly, roll them in a clean cloth, and next
day iron them carefully on the wrong side-that
is, the worse side. Hang them on a clothes-
horse, not too near the fire, until they are tho-
roughly dry. This process will renew the black
better than anything I have ever seen tried.
Make up the skirt, and if your flounces are not
too shabby, put them on as before, as the marks
of the stitches will not come out. Perhaps if
they are freshly hemmed, or pinked out again, or
bound with the velvet, which may be too shabby
to lay on flatly again, they would do. If the
velvet is too shabby, and you do not wish to go to
the expense of buying more, make pleatings or
bias folds of the pieces you have by you, and put
them on with narrow jet trimming, which you
can buy for is. 4d. the dozen yards. If you find
the silk too shabby for daylight wear, make it
evening length by adding a piece of any black stuff
you have by you to the top, trim round with
flounces, put on with jet, using part of the tunic
for these, and reserving part for making your
sleeves wide from the elbow. Cut the body
square or en cœur, and wear with any light tunic
and body that you have, for dinner or evening.
2. A child of four ought to wear a cape or jacket
of the same material as her dress. 3. I must
refer you to fashion plates and articles.
4. Your
dress will not be handsome without a tablier, and
seven yards will not be sufficient. Why not trim
the skirt handsomely with the seven yards, and
braid yourself, or get braided for you, in beads or
otherwise, a handsome cashmere tablier and
basque bodice? Madame Goubaud, of 30, Hen-
rietta Street, Covent Garden, will supply the
patterns. 5. You left no spaces for answers to
your questions.]

Will Sylvia kindly answer PRIMROSE the fol-
lowing questions?-Would a cloak of black velvet
or velveteen be considered heavy-looking for a baby
during the summer months? [Very.] I wish to
trim the said cloak with point lace. Will you
please suggest one or two other fabrics, besides
those mentioned, upon which such trimming
would prove effective? [Cashmere or merino
would be the only suitable ones for a baby's cloak.]
What colours besides black would look well
trimmed with white lace? [Blue, violet, or pink,
always supposing you refer to a baby's cloak. Pale
blue would be the prettiest.]

MINNIE Would feel greatly obliged if Sylvia
would kindly advise her what to do with a black
silk walking dress she has. It has been spoiled in
the making. Is much too narrow round the
bottom of the skirt. Minnie has a panier and
body, with coat sleeves of the same.
The body
is much damaged under the arms. Can Sylvia
advise any plan by which the skirt could be made
to look wider-Minnie does not care for frills-
or if not, what must she do with it? She is in
mourning for a brother. Minnie would not like

to cut the silk much, as it was new last Easter. Would feel greatly obliged if her questions could be answered in the March number, as she wishes her dress made up for Easter. She is of medium height and dark complexion. Minnie has taken THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN several years, and likes it exceedingly. This is the first time she has troubled Sylvia. Is this letter addressed properly; if not, how ought it to be? [You do not

say

how your skirt is trimmed, or if you are wearing crape. If not, a wide simulated revers in black velvet, put up each side of the front breadths, and getting narrow at the top, fastened back with jet buttons, would add to the width. If you do this, you must trim the sleeves with velvet, and have a sleeveless velvet jacket, which will hide the worn portions of the body. Your letter was addressed quite correctly.]

MARJORIE Would be obliged if the kind Editor, or any other friend, would inform her the way to clean a white fur jacket. She has got one of them, and it is soiled very much. Would you please to answer it in your next month's magazine. Marjorie is very much pleased with the magazine, and looks forward to it every month with pleasure. [You can have your jacket cleaned for 3s. You could not clean it at home.]

BEATRICE has a long white Japanese silk, with high bodice; the skirt made with an imitation kilt frill, 6 inches front, 13 inches back, four box-pleated headings, also revers from the knee to the waist. The length of the train is 70 inches. Could Sylvia kindly suggest any way of converting it into a walking dress? Beatrice is 5 feet 6 inches, good figure, brown hair, dull complexion; suits green or violet. [Cut the skirt walking length, and put on the kilt pleating again. Of the pieces you cut off the train, make the front breadths gathered, putting black velvet bows between the gathers of the remaining pieces. Make a double quilling, which place round the skirt above the pleating, with a row of velvet between the two edges of the quilling. For the tunic and sleeves, get white Japanese silk with white satin stripes. Make it open in front, and trim sides of front with the revers off your long skirt. Bind the revers with black velvet, and fasten back with black velvet buttons. Trim the tunic round with quilling and velvet similar to that on the skirt. If you make your tunic with ends, trim them with black velvet and black silk fringe. If you have not enough pieces to put a quilling round the tunic, trim with black velvet and white goat-hair fringe. Sleeves must be of same material as tunic, and trimmed with cuffs of the skirt material, bound with velvet, and With with buttons like those on the revers. this, wear a black velvet sleeveless jacket. This costume would be suitable only for flower shows, garden parties, etc. If you wish to make it still brighter, you could have coloured velvet, mauve or blue, but black would be better taste.] Beatrice is having a black velveteen polonaise dyed brown; what should she trim it with? [Brown silk or satin, and fringe.]

tern.

E. M. would be greatly obliged if Sylvia would advise her how to alter a dress of enclosed patIt has been made several years, but has not been much worn. It is made quite plain, with tight-fitting bodice and train skirt. It has no tunic or trimming, except two long sash ends,

edged with fancy gimp same colour. Preferring a quiet style of dress, would like it toned down with a dark colour to make a useful walking dress, if that mode is not quite out of fashion. E.M. is of moderate height, slender figure, with dark hair and pale complexion. [If your dress is not 'gored, you might get enough out of the skirt to make a tablier. Trim the skirt with velvet of a darker violet than the silk. What you cut off the train might make a kilt pleating for the skirt. Trim the tablier with the same, and have velvet ends at the back trimmed with a tiny pleating of the silk. If the body is worn, wear velvet sleeveless jacket; if not, trim with velvet to match skirt. If you could manage enough pieces for basques, it would be well. They would have to be put on with a belt. As you are dark and pale, relieve with knots of pale mauve ribbon at throat and wrists.]

SOPHIE Would feel much obliged to Sylvia if she would give her some directions as to what could be done with a dress of the accompanying pattern. It was made about six years ago, and has a plain tight body and very wide skirt. The three back breadths are ungored, and it has been very little worn. Will Sylvia kindly tell her what to trim it with, and how? It is for a lady of about sixty, pretty stout, and tall. It is intended to be worn in spring and summer. Sophie will feel so much indebted to Sylvia if she will give her directions in the next month's magazine, so that she may be able to alter the silk to a useful dress, and she will be glad to get whatever additions Sylvia suggests. [I should make very little alteration in the style for a lady of that age. Gore the three back breadths slightly. Perhaps one could be spared to make simulated basques and pleated trimmings round body and sleeves. Trim all the way up the front breadths with rows of velvet and black Yak lace placed across, and fastened at each end with a silk button. Trim basques with same, and supplement silk pleatings on body and sleeves with velvet.]

LOUISA would be much obliged to Sylvia if she could let her know how to make the clothes for a Japanese doll. Louisa has had one for some time, but has not been able to dress it for want of a pattern or guide of some sort; also for sandals. Louisa would also be glad to have a description of the pincushion doll represented in No. 12, Vol. v. [Get some brown cloth and some dark chintz. Make a pair of full drawers drawn in at the ankle of the chintz. Make a loose coat with sleeves of same, trimming all round with a band of the brown cloth. This coat is fastened at the throat with one button, and thence lies open, revealing a loose vest of brown cloth that comes below the waist, and fastens with brown cloth buttons. Buttons are placed down the coat, though it lies open. Brown cloth collar goes round the neck. Brown cloth flat cap. Sandals cut out in cardboard, and covered with black silk.]

M. writes-Will Sylvia be kind enough to give me the benefit of her advice about two dresses? 1. I have a black silk skirt, long, and trimmed with 9-inch cross flounces all round bottom, also full tunic of same, all in good condition, except about six inches round waist. How can I make a simple, complete, useful dress of this black silk? Will a sleeveless jacket be needed, or some satin or faille? Please advise

2.

me, as I am my own dressmaker, and not particularly skilful. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. [Have a sleeveless basque jacket of velvet or cashmere. Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, can supply the pattern. The cashmere will look very well braided or beaded.]

MARY ISA writes-Seeing how much you benefit your correspondents in THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, I am induced to write for advice. I have a dress (pattern enclosed), which has been little worn. Do you think it will be suitable for me? I am about twenty-eight, 5 feet 4 inches in height, stout, and fair. I have the idea that it is too old-fashioned for me, but if you think that a young lady might wear such a dress, will you kindly tell me how to make it up, either for house or out-of-door wear? It has a plain skirt and waist; the skirt is 1 yard 7 inches long, 4 yards 12 inches wide, and no gores. [Your dress would look very handsome and fashionable if made as follows:-Make front breadths of plain brown silk, shade of sprig in gores, gathered all the way up. Put the back breadths in in four large folds at the waist. They must be gored. Trim up sides where your silk meets the brown silk gathers with a close pleating six inches wide, made out of your front breadths. Trim sleeves with close pleating of the plain brown silk. Wear with pale blue ribbon.] Have I addressed this letter right? [Yes.]

MAP will feel obliged if Sylvia will answer the following questions in the March numberMap has a violet silk dress (pattern enclosed), which she wishes to turn and make up in a fashionable way. The skirt is five yards wide and rather long, with narrow flounce, but no panier, and the body is cut in V-shape. Map is thirty, rather fair, and of middle height. She will feel grateful for Sylvia's advice. [Turn the skirt, and wear with tablier and fichu of beaded lace, plain lace, or puffed tulle with jet between puffs. Trim V-shaped neck with handsome white lace or pleated tulle, with puffings of black tulle.] What is the prettiest and most useful style for making frocks for little boys aged three and four? Map does not like tunics, and sailor suits, etc., are too old-looking, as the children are rather small. [Little drawers made rather tight, with loose jackets caught in with a belt and made high in the neck, with pretty embroidered collar and coloured tie, look very well.]

META Would be much obliged if Sylvia could tell her of any way in which she could alter these two dresses (patterns enclosed) either into one dress or two. They are both made with quite plain skirts, jacket bodies just bound with a piece of the same material, and tunics bound also; the sleeves, fronts of bodies, tunics, and skirts are slightly soiled. As this is the first time Meta has troubled the most useful Work-room, she hopes to see an answer in the March number. Meta is more than twenty, and tall, and rather slight. [They will make one dress. Make the skirt of the darker colour, and trim it with the lighter. Make tablier, basque, body, and sleeves of the lighter, and trim with the darker.] .

LEONORA Would feel so much obliged to Sylvia if she will kindly tell what to do with her crape fan, which from her breath gets wet, and when dry is all cockled up and stiff and hard, quite spoiling the look of it. She would be so glad to know what to do with it, or how to prevent it. [You can do nothing to restore the

crape, but you can prevent its being further spoiled by not breathing on it.] Will Sylvia also inform Leonora if she could possibly have a quilted satin skirt dyed black, and if so, where would be a good place to send it? (Pullar and Sons are good dyers, but I do not think you could have the skirt dyed without taking it to pieces.]

BEATRICE C. would feel obliged to Sylvia if she would kindly give her a little assistance. How could she alter her dress to make it look more fashionable (pattern enclosed)? It is walking length, has three slightly gathered flounces at the back six inches deep, and three puffings the same width on the front breadth, with a narrow pleating on the top, rather scanty tunic, open in front, trimmed with Yak lace three inches deep, and narrow trimming of a darker shade; jacket bodice, with coat sleeves, trimmed with the same. Beatrice C. does not want to buy anything, as she does not think it is worth it. [As you do not wish to buy anything, I do not see how you can make your dress more fashionable, except you have some dark brown silk or other material that would make a tablier and trim the skirt. Your scanty tunic would then trim the tablier.] Also, what would be most suitable for dresses for confirmation (not muslin), as they will be trimmed with embroidery next summer, and how should they be made? [White cashmere or alpaca; but you cannot trim these materials with embroidery; only muslin, French cambric, and lawn dresses can be trimmed with it.]

KITTY asks-What bonnet shapes will be worn this spring? She is now wearing a square crown. [A great variety.] If puffed crowns will be worn? [Yes.] What colour bonnet would Sylvia suggest to wear with dress (pattern enclosed). Kitty has fair complexion, light hair, and is rather tall. [Dark and light blue, with dark brown foliage.] Kitty would like to know what would be nice to trim a black cloth jacket with. It has been worn for mourning, and is now trimmed with crape. [Black silk.] Has Kitty directed right? [Yes, but forgot to leave space for answers.] Would it be troubling Sylvia too much to ask for a little advice as to how she would dress a little girl four years of age this spring? She has fair complexion and light hair. [Must refer Kitty to dress articles and fashion plates.]

ALICE B. will be very grateful for Sylvia's good advice. Alice has a nice black silk walking skirt. Could she wear with it a cashmere tunic and sleeves, and black silk sleeveless jacket? [This would be in excellent taste.] Alice has sufficient silk for the jacket, so that it would be a cheap costume, but she is in doubt if it would look nice. She thought of having dull red cashmere, or pale blue (if not too prononcé), for the tunic and sleeves. [Black would be better.] Would homespun be better? [A matter of taste.]

CATHERINE L. would be much obliged to Sylvia if she would tell her, in next month's number, if the dolman fits tight to the figure, and if it has a join down the back. [It is tied in at the waist behind. Fits better with a join down the back.] Also, if braiding them is more fashionable than lace or fringe? [Both.] Will the tablier be fashionable in the spring? [Yes.]

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