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OUR WORK-ROOM.

RULES AND REGULATIONS. All letters requiring answers in the following month's issue must be forwarded to SYLVIA, CARE of EDITOR, Messrs. Ward, Lock, & Tyler, Warwick House, Paternoster Row, E. C., before the 5th 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.

5. Letters for the Work-room must be written on separate paper from those intended for the Drawing-room or the Exchange Column.

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

As we give elsewhere all the latest information as to modes and styles, we cannot answer questions as to the way of inaking up new materials, except when the quantity is so limited as to require contriving, in which case we are glad to give our best help.

ADA writes-I have a light dress (pattern enclosed), scarcely worn at all, because so very unbecoming. It is made with short skirt, ten-inch flounce, crossways. Old-fashioned polonaise, all in one piece, without pleats, drawn into figure by band, trimmed with a white looped fringe, reminding one of toilet-cover fringe. How can I alter this dress, and trim it in some way to make it moderately fashionable? You will see it is a walking-dress. [Those loose polonaises suit very few figures. Make the body tight to wear with band. Take off the fringe, and trim skirt, tunic, and body with the washing linen trimming in black and crimson. These will relieve the lightness of the dress, and make it more becoming. If you wear light ribbon bows with it, mix black velvet ribbon with them.]

CHARLINIA Would like to know in the next number a pretty way of making up a skirt (pattern enclosed). I have five widths, and kilting a quarter of a yard wide. Age, seventeen; height, 5 feet; dark hair. [Your dress would look very pretty trimmed with velvet the same colour. You do not say whether you wish it walking length, or trained. You will find many models and descriptions in our paper this month.]

And would

Sylvia kindly tell me the best way of making a brown and black striped silk; I have sixteen yards. [Skirt plain at the back, mounted in the Bulgarian fold. Basque bodice. Tablier, with ends at back. Trim all with brown and black fringe and brown and black buttons.]

MAY-LILY Would be greatly obliged to Sylvia if she would kindly advise her how to make up two dresses (patterns enclosed), for a girl in her fifteenth year, very fair, height about 5 feet 5 inches, and slight in figure. She has fifteen yards of each, and wishes the style to be simple. May-lily derives much enjoyment from THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, and though quite a new subscriber, looks forward with great pleasure to the arrival of every number. [For altering or contriving, Sylvia is always very glad to give advice, but descriptions of fashionable styles for making up new dresses would be merely repeti

tions of the dress articles. A girl of 15 does not need her dresses much trimmed, nor do such good and pretty materials as your patterns require it.]

A REGULAR SUBSCRIBER, but one who has never before ventured into the Work-room, will feel very grateful to Sylvia if she can kindly give her a few suggestions in the next number. She has a Navy blue satin cloth dress, of good quality, and not much worn, having been laid aside on account of mourning. It is made in the Princess shape, with long, and consequently full, train, and a full flounce 7 inches deep. Can Sylvia suggest any way in which it could be made into a short walking dress? The flounce at the bottom is uncomfortably heavy, and having no tunic or panier, the dress looks incomplete. [If you take the back breadths to pieces, you can bring the fulness up to the waist instead of leaving it as a long train, and this alteration will make sufficient pouff. As the flounce is heavy, you might trim the front with it and perhaps some dark blue velvet, with which you might also trim the back, if necessary.]

ETTENNA Would feel obliged if Sylvia would kindly inform her the nicest way to make up a black silk, fourteen yards, twenty-eight inches in width, so as to suit either for handsome morning dress or occasional dinner ditto. The silk is a rich soft one. Would it be best made plain, or with polonaise? Ettenna is about forty years of age, married, rather dark complexion, short, and slight. She does not like much trimming on any dress. [The deep tablier, with tunic ends at the back, would be the most fashionable way to make it. Plain skirt mounted in deep folds at the back of the waist.]

FLEDA has a plain train skirt, very long, of white satin, with low bodice. Will Sylvia kindly tell me if it can be made into a fashionable dinner dress with the addition of some coloured satin, and how it should be done? I have also fifteen yards of Brussels lace five inches deep, which I should like to use for trimming the dress, I am a medium height, having dark hair and eyes, and a slight figure. [A tablier of beaded net, or of puffed tulle, with pearls between the puffings, trimmed with your Brussels lace, would look much handsomer and more elegant than coloured satin. There would be enough of your lace to trim body and sleeves handsomely as well. If you prefer not to wear a low bodice for a dinner dress, you could have a fichu and sleeves to the elbow made of the same material as your tablier, and trimmed with the Brussels lace. Coloured sash and bows, with same colour reproduced in the flowers or feather of the coiffure.]

JIMMIE writes I shall feel much obliged if you will advise me how to alter a black silk dress. It was made three years ago, and has only been worn two or three times, as I did not like the style. The skirt is four inches on the ground, it has a flounce four inches deep, with one above it two inches deep. It is made with tight bodice, wide sleeves, bow and ends, and a crossover with long rounded ends in front. The flounces and frillings are bound with blue silk. [Cut it walking length, and replace the four-inch Hounce. Trim the front breadths to simulate a tablier or tunic. You can do this by covering it with jet, sewn in straight lines on a foundation. Trim all round with jet fringe. Make ends at the back out of the crossover ends. Of the rest of the crossover make coat-sleeves. Trim these, and

the ends with fluting made from your two-inch flounce.] What sort of polonaise would be most serviceable to wear over different coloured skirts, cashmere or merino (black)? How many yards will it take, and how ought it to be trimmed to look nice? [From six to eight yards. Jet is the most fashionable trimming. Satin or silk would do, or plain rows of stitching done by machine.] What sort of hat should a little girl two years and a half old wear for best in the summer? She is tall for her age, and fair. [The modified small Dolly Varden shape is the most fashionable.]

ROSIE W. presents her compliments to Sylvia, and would like to know what she would advise her to do with a silk dress (pattern enclosed). She has a plain short skirt and body, with small bell sleeves, tunic, not very full, trimmed with fringe the ground colour. Would Sylvia think it best to have it dyed, and what colour? It is faded under the arms and the front of the skirt, but not at all worn. It is too decided a pattern to wear often. Rosie W. is twenty-eight, married, fair, about 5 feet 4 inches, rather slender figure. Will feel grateful for any suggestions from Sylvia with regard to dyeing or making it up in any way to look a different dress. Rosie has found the answers to others of great use to herself, and this is the first time she has been a queriest. She has been a subscriber for years, and greatly appreciates the enlargement of the nicest magazine for young people. [Your dress would look well dyed violet, and worn with velvet sleeveless jacket same colour. This would hide the worn part under the arms. If the front looks shabby still, trim with bands of velvet] Rosie W. will feel grateful to the Editor if he could promise patterns of children's clothes from two to five years old, such as cut-out patterns of little boy's walking costume, jacket, etc. [Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, supplies these.] Can any of your correspondents tell me whether washing the head in luke-warm soda water promotes the growth and a nice shade to rather light hair, or is soft soap best in the water?

VIOLET has a Japanese silk dress, which she got some time ago, but never liked, on account of its being wretchedly made. Would Sylvia, with her great fund of taste, please tell her how she might alter it in a pretty but inexpensive way? [If you will tell Sylvia how it is now made, so that she can form an idea as to the quantity of material it contains, she will have pleasure in giving her advice. Also, kindly say whether you wish to make it into house, walking, or dinner dress.]

SOPHY would be much obliged to Sylvia if she would kindly help her a little this month. Will the enclosed pattern of longcloth do to make white petticoats? [Too thin.] And should the frills be made of the same? [Yes.] I have a plain skirt and bodice of the enclosed silk, only just walking length. Could I do anything with it to wear with velveteen sleeveless jacket and panier, or would it look nice made with a polonaise trimmed with something bright to wear over black silk skirt? Please tell me what would look well on it. I am 5 feet, dark hair and eyes, with fair complexion. [It would look well as a polonaise, trimmed with black, to wear over black silk. If you prefer a colour, almost any would go with it.] I have also a nice black shawl, square; could I make anything of it, as I

never wear it, and should like to use it for something. [You don't say what the material is. Would it not make a polonaise ?] Will Sylvia please tell me how to cut a train skirt, and how many widths should be put in, and gores of a black silk? Can you tell me the price of black feather trimming about two inches wide? [Send to Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, for pattern of trained skirt.] Please tell me how to make a nice, dressy-looking frock (blue French merino) for a little girl eight years old, for the spring. [With cape and pleated frills.] I have a piece of blue satin cloth, enough to make quite a plain frock for a little girl of five. What could I trim it with to make it look dressy? [Velvet same colour.] I should be much obliged for the answers, as I live at the sea-side, and I am obliged to do all my needlework in the winter.

AIGUILLE would feel obliged if Sylvia would kindly tell her whether a creamy, stone-coloured bodice, with tablier tunic, would look well worn with a plain black or black quilted skirt. [Very well, but better still over brown.]

It

ORISKA Would be so much obliged if Sylvia would tell her how she might make a jacket into a fashionable garment. It is of very good cloth, but has been laid by for the last two years, in consequence of its loose and unbecoming shape. Would it look well as a sleeveless tight-fitting jacket? If so, would Sylvia say what it should be trimmed with? It will be wanted principally to wear with a black and white dress trimmed with beaded gimp. Oriska being only a poor governess, is obliged to do her own sewing and be very careful of her clothes, but nevertheless likes to look nice, and she will be very grateful if Sylvia would kindly answer her question in the April number. [Sylvia has much pleasure in helping Oriska, and hopes her advice may be of use. would be very extravagant to make the jacket into a sleeveless one. Besides, these are not worn in cloth, unless some other portion of the toilette is in the same material. Unless Oriska is very clever at needlework, she would find it very difficult to make it into a tight-fitting jacket. A half-tight shape would be more easily managed. To do this, take out the sleeves, and unpick all the seams except those on the shoulders, which may not require altering. Then lay on the jacket patterns of demi-tight shape (such have been issued with former numbers), and cut accordingly. The sleeves may require to be made narrower at the arm, but that is easy. You must press the seams. Stitch all round with sewing-machine.}

A COUNTRY GIRL will feel much obliged if Sylvia will tell her how to make a silver-grey alpaca costume. She is barely 5 feet in height, very full figure, dark hair and eyes, generally a little colour, but not a very good complexion. As she is insignificant-looking, she should like to be dressed in a stylish manner, but not at all remarkable or showy, and would like the dress to add to her apparent height. What bonnet and neck-tie would go nicely with it? Please answer in next number. [As you wish to look tall, the less trimming you have, the better. But alpaca is a material that requires a certain amount of trimming, and the best style is six-inch frills arranged in very close folds. You will find descriptions in our fashion article, and models in our fashion plates.

Any colour in bonnet or tie may be worn with grey. As you have not much colour, two shades of some soft bright colour would look best-such, for instance, as violet and mauve, not too bright, fané blue, and a deeper shade of same colour.]

Miss D. writes-I have a green silk ball dress, which was made three years ago, and was only worn once, as I have been in mourning ever since. It looks now quite old-fashioned, as it is made with a panier at the back and no tablier;

trimmed with pinked ruches of the silk (of which I enclose a pattern). Will Sylvia kindly assist me with hints as to renovating it? I have by me ten yards of yellow tulle, five of each shade, of which I forward patterns, as I think that the tulle might be used to trim the ball dress. The combination of colours seems to me pretty, but I do not know if it would be fashionable. I shall be grateful for any information and suggestions, as I live in a very out-of-the-way place, and have no good dressmaker at hand. [The yellow tulle would not look well on the green silk

Green tulle, crape, or even tarlatan would look very pretty over it, made as tablier, with sash ends made from your panier. You could trim the tablier round with close pleats of the materials of which you make it, heading the pleatings with the silk ruching.]

She

AN OLD SUBSCRIBER, who has very rarely troubled the Editor, will sincerely thank Sylvia if she will tell her what to do with her dresses (patterns enclosed). They were made years ago, with rather long untrimmed skirts. The foulard has a panier, not a large one, and she has two yards of new silk like the black. An Old Subscriber cannot afford to set the dresses aside, but cannot wear them in their present state. thought, perhaps, a polonaise may be made out of the light dress, to wear over the black skirt. She lives in the country, but not far from a large city. She wants the dress for walking. The piqué has a small tunic, and the skirt is only a walking length. [The black silk will make a very nice and serviceable skirt. Perhaps you can take the back breadths out, if not much gored. Cut the remaining breadths to a walking length. Trim with flounces made from the back breadths, and two yards of new. Black velvet between each flounce would make the skirt look very handsome. The foulard will make a very pretty polonaise to wear over it, especially if trimmed with fringe the colour of the ground, and a row of black velvet. You would have enough foulard over to make a sleeveless basque jacket, which you could wear with your black sleeves. The jacket would be trimmed round arms and basques with fringe and velvet like polonaise. Blue bows would look well with it. Or make the black silk into jacket to wear over foulard sleeves. Trim the piqué to simulate a rather short tablier with the tunic, and with a sash of ribbon to match the colour of the flounce, it will be quite fashionable enough for a morning dress.]

HULDA thinks Beatrice C. can arrange her dress very well in the following way :-Take out the back breadth of the skirt, and replace with back breadth of tunic, if the tunic is too short to use as tablier; the fronts of the tunic will finish the tablier. If your skirt is not faded, it will require no trimming in front; if it is, make one of the puffings into a flounce; you will have two of the puffings over to join on the back breadth of skirt under the trimming; you will probably have a piece over from the front of the tunic, which will do for sash ends. If the dress does not require covering on account of being faded, you may make the three gathered flounces into two kilted ones; the front breadth to be trimmed in the same way, with one kilt. The narrow pleating of the front breadth, if it will iron out nicely, may be used as a plain band stitched against the tablier, with or without the Yak lace beneath-that is, if it is on the cross; if not, lay it on the under side of the tablier as a false hem. If you cannot get sash ends from the tunic, cut two-thirds of the front breadth of the skirt off for the purpose, and replace with lining.

EDITHA Would like to know what Sylvia would advise her to do with a silk dress (pattern enclosed). She has a plain skirt, with two crosscut folds headed with blue satin, large sash one

high and one low body trimmed with the satin. Editha might be able to get some more of the same silk. She would like a nice summer walking dress, and would not mind a little expense to make the dress nice. Editha is 5 feet 4 inches, Editha would also fair complexion, brown hair. like to know how to make up fourteen yards of light grey homespun for a walking dress, to be worn without a jacket. She likes her dresses very plain, but stylish, and has a great objection to jet or much trimming. [Your skirt will do as it is, and your large sash will be the very thing for ends at the back. You could either get more of the silk and make a tablier, or-which would be much prettier-have a tablier of blue cashmere or silk the same shade as your blue satin trimming. In this case, you would have to have a sleeveless jacket of the cashmere or silk, but as your high bodice is probably of an old-fashioned cut, this would perhaps be as cheap as buying extra silk. Your low body being useless, as you wish for a walking dress only, would help in trimming the sleeves, hiding the joins which will perhaps be necessary to make them the fashionable shape. Patterns of tablier and body were given in the diagram sheet with THE ENGLISHWOMAN'S DOMESTIC MAGAZINE for October last. Woollen materials and silk are In now the favourite combination for costumes. reply to your second query, see notice at top of previous page.]

LILY would feel obliged to Sylvia for her advice respecting a silk dress, of which a pattern is enclosed. Would it be better to have it dyed or cleaned? [It ought to clean very well.] It has a long trained skirt, with wide crosswise flounce. Lily is tall, with fair hair and complexion, and prefers a long dress. Does Sylvia think the skirt would look well plain, and take the flounce to trim the body and sleeves? The body is plain, without trimming and coat-sleeves. What would Sylvia advise? [The skirt would look rather old-fashioned if worn plain in these days of tunics, tabliers, and trimmings. The bodice and sleeves need not be trimmed; your wide crossway flounce ought to cut into enough narrow frills to trim your front breadth en tablier, and still leave sufficient for loops and pinked-out ends at the back. This will look very well if set perfectly plain into the waist, except four inches at the back, where the fulness is arranged in large overlying folds.]

QUEENIE would be deeply indebted to Sylvia if she would kindly advise her how to remake a grey alpaca dress. Queenie has only worn the dress a few times, in consequence of having to go into mourning. She is dark, rather tall, slender, aged eighteen. The dress has three wide crossway flounces, bound with grey Japanese silk at the back, and six narrow ones on the front, finished off by bows. It is not at all pretty, and Queenie would like to mix a little black with it, as she will have to wear it in slight mourning. [If you would get some alpaca of a darker grey, you might make a very handsome dress of your alpaca. Cut a tablier from the darker grey, which must not be too dark. Trim this with a very close pleating about five inches deep, made from some of your old flounces. Make a sleeveless jacket with basques of the dark grey also. Trim the basques with a very narrow close pleating. Trim your light great coat-sleeves with close pleating of dark grey. Trim your skirt with your old flounces, headed by bias bands of the darker grey. You had better take off all the Japanese silk, which would do for another dress. This dress will be slight mourning, if worn with a knot of black ribbon or velvet at the collar, and if you manage it well, you could scarcely have a prettier spring dress.] Will sleeveless deep basqued braided bodices be worn in the spring and carly summer? [Yes.]

OUR DRAWING-ROOM.

EDITH ROSE has enclosed the words of the pretty ballad, "The Beating of my Own Heart," asked for by one of your correspondents in the January number, and takes the opportunity to express her regret at Myra's illness, and hopes she is now quite recovered, that lady's writings having been always looked forward to with great interest, and found very useful. She has no doubt her successor will be equally welcomed; and hopes the admirable letter "On Good Intentions" will be thoughtfully read and laid to heart by many young ladies. She has noticed an improvement in the magazine this year, and would be glad to know of a useful, inexpensive book on "* Wild Flowers," as she has some little girls she wishes to amuse themselves with collecting and preserving in the coming spring, such wild flowers as are to be found in their usual walks. She suggests the study of botany, as a most delightful and interesting pursuit to all young Englishwomen, and especially to those who reside in the country. Will Sylvia kindly give her some hints on a pretty, simple way of making children's dresses for the spring, when leaving off mourning? their ages are seven and four years. She also suggests, that if Sylvia would mention any novelty or change in style or make, at the commencement of the "Work-room," it would be acceptable to many, the answers not being so generally useful. [Children's dresses look pretty with a flounce round the hem, and a tunic, real or simulated, in the trimming. The cape or jacket should be of the same material for spring and summer wear. The new styles are described in the article on "Paris Fashions," but Sylvia thanks Edith Rose for her suggestion, and if anything new should prevail in the " 'Work-room" department, will make mention of it in future.]

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improvement. [There was none issued with the February number.] I am pleased to be able to inform Alice Grace Violet that the third part of the "Gipsy's Warning" is called, "I will not heed her warning." Will you or Sylvia kindly tell me the best way to make up wool-work dinner mats? Must they be put on cardboard? [Yes.] And is cord around the edge necessary? [Bind with ribbon.] I should be much obliged if any one could tell me the name of a song commencing :

"I'll deck my brow with flowers,

The false one will be there."

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Nearer our home! Soon will the strife be o'er. One joyous household band shall meet above. To part no more! MAY.

L. B. has a number of pieces of music which she wishes to dispose of, or to exchange for pieces by Schubert, Liszt, Schumann, or Chopin. A list sent on application.

CONTESSA asks: Would you, dear Mr. Editor, try and find out the origin of the redbreast's nickname Robin?" You will laugh at my repeating so often this wish, and yet I assure you I was once puzzled in Florence by this very question. Would it be possible to give in one of the front pictures of fashion in THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN a little boy of six years of age in an English sailor's costume? It would be for me and for many of our Italian ladies a great prize, and would enable me to order of Madame Goubaud a costume for my little fair-haired boy. If you can I am sure you will give me this pleasure; for it strikes me that

you are very kind. ["Robin is the name of that species of bird. It is merely a coincidence that it is also a man's name. "Redbreast" is the nickname, for all robins have not red breasts. It will give us pleasure to comply with your request, if we can possibly do so.]

L. M. W. can supply Annchen with the information she requires. Address with Editor. [We cannot insert L. M. W.'s notice, as it is an advertisement, the charge for which would be half-a-crown.]

EUNICE presents her compliments to the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, and would be very much obliged if he would tell her the etiquette of visiting cards. When it is the correct thing to leave or send them; Eunice is so ignorant, she does not even know when it is proper to use them; but, being only sixteen, perhaps it is excusable. What will be the fashionable colours this spring? Eunice can scarcely understand what they are like from their French names. Eunice thinks THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN invaluable, and reads it with great pleasure. She would be grateful if the Editor would answer her questions next month. [If you cali on friends and do not find them at home, you leave your card. All shades of fanés colours will be fashionable. By fanés, I mean the faded-looking colours that have come into wear during the last few years.]

TWOPENNY asks: Will Sylvia kindly give as much information as she can about garden parties? What time ought they to come? [Invite for 3 or 4 o'clock.] What time go away? [In time to dress for dinner.] What ought they to do the first thing? [After being received by the hostess, they walk about, stand about, or engage in the amusements provided for them.] If a marquee is erected, what ought it to be for-for dancing, supper, or what? [It ought to be fitted up with flowers, seats, etc., like a conservatory, for people to retire from the heat, for old ladies and gentlemen to chat, while the young ones flirt. There is not usually dancing at garden parties. Too early for supper.] Ought printed invitations to be issued, and how long beforehand? [A week or ten days, even more, according to scale of entertainment.] If the day happens to be wet, what is done? [Then, a dance is sometimes got up. A garden party on a wet day is a failure. Few people come, and those who do go away early, damp and dejected.] Any other information that you can give will greatly oblige Twopenny. [Croquet, archery, and other out-door amusements, form the entertainment. The refreshment is of the lightest kind, just as at an afternoon croquet party. Tea is handed round, with thin bread and butter, perhaps cakes, or some fruit.]

ANNETTE Writes: In the January number of your magazine, Fanny the Fawn asks for a cure for chilblains. I usedto be plagued with them, but was recommended to try a homoeopathic lotion, Agaricus umscarius; this quite cured mine. Sold at any homoeopathic chemists; small bottles, with brush, Is. I should be much obliged if anyone would tell me when a note in music is marked both flat and natural how it should be played? [When a note has been sharp, it is necessary to make it natural before it can be written flat. Hence both the natural and flat. It is played flat.] Does ale injure the hair? Mine is very fine, and lies close, and my curls come straight in damp weather, so I use ale to make it stiff, but it takes the gloss off, and makes it sticky. Can you tell me of anything else that will keep it in curl? also what would make it grow? I cannot find an address in your magazine, but hope this will find you.

MARY writes: Can you or any of your numerous readers give me a receipt for a fast dye suitable for a batiste dress? The original colour of the material was drab, but this has washed out. I wish you every success in your useful journal. I have been a subscriber for at least a dozen years.

GREYSTEIL informs "Poor Maria" the piece of needlework is copied from an old engraving, representing the heroine of a touching episode in Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey."

"

LINA MASSE writes: May I ask one favour of you. I don't think you'll refuse to answer me if you can; it is this. Do you, or any of the readers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN know of anything I could use to make my hair grow more on my forehead. I was quite distressed when I saw that in last month's number-please help me if you are able, I am sure I shall be much indebted to you or any other person who could answer my question. Would you please tell me if there is anything to pay, if so, I will forward you the amount in stamps. [What was it that distressed you?}

FRANKY asks where is it likely that she would be able to procure a painted glass transparency fit for hanging in a window; subject, the Crucifixion? [Cox and Co., Southampton Street, Strand, W.C.]

LEONORA presents her compliments to the Editor, and begs to say that she thinks the Magazine much improved since it has been enlarged. The letters by Sylvia and those on Etiquette are invaluable to country subscribers. All her friends are very pleased with it, and she wishes it all the success it deserves. Leonora wants the July, August, September and November numbers of the Magazine for 1874, complete, for which she will give one dozen of new oxydised buttons, very handsome, cost 3s. 6d., or would pay half price for them.

RUBY would feel obliged to the kind Editor if he would tell how " 'Goethe," the German dramatist, is pronounced. Also if the three songs in connection with the "Gypsy's Warning" are all sung to the same air? [The "G" is hard, the "oe" pronounced as eu in French, and the "the" like the first syllable of our English word, tether. The three songs have different airs.]

W. WILBERFORCE BATTYE writes: My daughter takes in your Magazine, and I am glad she does, and hope that she may continue to do so, on account of its high moral tone. At the same time you must allow me to demur to the reason given to one of your correspondents, who inquires whether a veil or cap should be worn at confirmation. Surely, this is not to secure the bishop's hands from getting soiled! Surely, is it not rather a token of modesty, and because a veil is given to a woman "for a covering?" If I am wrong in this suggestion, all I can say is, not of course that the bishop has no right to "lay on " hands at all, but certainly that he has no right to have any hands to "lay on."

IDA WALES presents her compliments to the Editor, and would he kindly answer her a few questions? Is it customary in photographic albums to put the Royal Family first, or relations and friends? [Matter of choice.] Could he, or any of his numerous correspondents give her an address of a manufacturer of linoleum floor cloth? [Treloar, Ludgate Hill, E.C.] What would be the price of a "Bristol Tune Book?" And will he give a pretty crochet pattern, wool work, suitable for a sofa blanket shortly? [At this time of year, such a pattern would be unsuitable.] Ida Wales has taken THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for more than four years, and likes it exceedingly; this being the first time she has written to the Editor.

AUGUSTA presents her compliments to the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN and would be greatly obliged if he would answer the following questions. How long will lemon rind keep good after the juice has been squeezed out? [Pour whiskey on it, and it

will keep for a long time.] And also the juice? [Only two or three days.] When lettuces, radishes, and cress are handed round, how should one take them? [There are usually a wooden salad spoon and fork with lettuce, etc.] When one has no fish-knives, should one hold the fork in the right-hand or the left, the same as for other meat? [In the right hand.] When jam is served with rice and blancmange, could it be put in a little glass dish, the same as on the tea table? [That is the proper kind of dish for it.] On what kind of dish should stewed fruit be served? [If cold, on glass. If hot, a dish like the rest of the service.] What sized envelopes are most fashionable for ladies to use? [Almost square, with very deep flaps.]

WILD DAISY would be grateful if Sylvia will kindly answer her the following questions. Would sauces for puddings be spoiled if one made them before going in to dinner? [Some kinds would.] Is it bitter or sweet almonds should be eaten with raisins? [Sweet.] And how much almonds should be put to every pound of raisins.] About a quarter of a pound.] And should they be helped with a dessertspoon? [Table-spoon.] Should the seeds of raisins be eaten or left on the plate. [The seeds cannot be eaten.] Can more than one thing be placed on the same mat on the breakfast-table, or should a mat each be placed under the teapot, cream jug, and sugar basin? [A mat for the tea pot, the others stand on the tray.] And on a plate or what, should the loaf be put? [A wooden platter.] And should the host cut it, and every one butter their own bread, or how? [Every one butters his own, as there are usually dishes for breakfast with which some persons take butter and others do not.]

Can any of our correspondents tell M. E. D. the origin of the word Fenian?"

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MRS. D. writes: In answer to Emmie C.'s inquiry respecting training-institutions for domestic service, she has much pleasure in informing her that there is one in Lakenham, Norfolk, of that description, where girls may be entered, with the payment (if she is not mistaken) of three shillings per week. Emmie C. may obtain full particulars by writing to the Institution. There is another at Alresford, Hants, but Mrs. D. believes it is private.

E. G. writes: Dear Mr. Editor, ought there to be two coloured plates in THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN? I have never had but one. [If you write again, please leave space for replies. Now and then an extra coloured plate is given away with THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN.] Please tell me a pretty inexpensive way to furnish a bed-room. [Beeswax or oak-stain the floor, and have a square of carpet only in the middle. Have chintz curtains and bed-valance. Cover an old box with chintz and keep at the foot of the bed for laying crushable dresses in. If there is a recess, get a few hooks put up in it, for hanging your dresses on. Make chintz curtains for it and fasten these round a shelf at the top, which a carpenter will put up for you for a very few shillings. A pretty dressing-table can be made out of a very inexpensive table with light chintz drapery, or the conventional white muslin over pink calico. A washstand can be purchased cheaply and covered with the imitation marble cloth. A chest of drawers of light wood will be necessary, also a couple of chairs. mantel-piece and looking-glass look well hung with chintz also, and trimmed with lace. Light iron bedsteads are the prettiest.] Ought dinner napkins to be always folded, or will a ring put round do. [Rings for napkins are quite a family arrangement. For a dinner party the napkins must be folded.] Will you or any kind friend tell me how to make the following a mantel valance, not expensive work for drawing-room, chairs, etc., in green, also tea-pot cosy and dinner-napkin ring. Could you give a pattern of print dressing-gown, or will Sylvia tell me how to make the same?

The

I like the Magazine very much, but do wish there would be some hints for young housewives as there used to be. Will some one kindly inform me how to manage my allowance, 15 a a year, everything but boots to find. I am sure I have tired the kind Editor with my long letter and trust he will excuse me. [Lace makes the most elegant mantel valance. Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, will send you a pattern of a dressing-gown.]

JESSAMINE would feel much obliged if Sylvia would kindly tell her in the March number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN what would be the correct, and at the same time, the most inexpensive materials for the costume of "Red Riding Hood" at a fancy ball, and also how the dress-cloak, etc., should be made. A full description of the character would be of the greatest assistance to her. [A full plain skirt of blue cashmere, orleans, or batiste, gathered all round. Red circular cloak with hood to wear over the head, but showing some of the hair. This cloak might be made in a material that would make it a useful garment for other occasions, cloth, for instance. At Hengler's Grand Cirque, Little Red Riding Hood's cloak is of silk, and the small representative of the character wears short white socks, and shoes with straps and buttons, than which nothing could be prettier or more simple. Your letter was not in time for the March number.]

LILLY writes: would the Editor kindly give her a receipt for a roughness over the face; and also could he tell her the meaning of why rather a long sponge cake is sent with the mourningcard; and why people send valentines on the 14th of February; and what address should Lilly use if she wanted to send a letter to the Work-room? [Do not go out during cold winds without a thick veil. Do not wash the face just before going out or immediately after coming in. Dry with powder. We never heard of a sponge cake being sent with a mourning card. Perhaps it is a custom in some particular locality. Nobody knows exactly the origin of the custom of sending valentines on Feb. 14. Address, Sylvia, Messrs. Ward, Lock, and Tyler, Warwick House, Paternoster Row, E.C.]

JACK O' LANTERN would be very much obliged if you or any of your correspondents could tell her, through the " Drawing-room," how to make the colour flow smoothly on photographs, she has tried many times but has only succeeded in spoiling them; on the dress in particular the colour went into lumps, though it was mixed quite smoothly. Is there anything to be put into it? And could any one tell me a good book from which to learn wool work, and the price of it?

one.

AIGUILLE writes: In answer to Brownie, who asks how to make cork frames, Aiguille replies that she must first make a frame of stiff cardboard, unless she has an old plain wooden Next procure a number of corks, break, not cut them into rough, different sized pieces, and grate a quantity rather finely. With strong glue or gum fasten the pieces on as picturesquely as possible, and fill up the vacant spots with the grated cork.

STEPHANOTIS presents her compliments to the Editor, and having seen in her valuable magazine that Twopenny and other ladies wish for something which will render their hands white, begs to say that the following recipe, recommended by a celebrated physician, is most satisfactory for making the face, neck, hands, and arms white, soft, and delicate. Take 3 oz. of sugar candy, I wine-glassful of eau-deCologne; 1 oz. of white soft soap, 1 oz. of glycerine, and 3 oz. of almond oil. Manipulation: melt the candy (finely powdered) in the eau-de-Cologne, with as little heat as possible, then add the soap until it is properly incorporated, mixing with a basin and fork; now pour the glycerine and oil together, and gradually little by little, mix them with the soapy syrup, beating with the fork until it is a smooth thick cream; this being rubbed daily over the

skin, and then removed with a little water, drying with a soft towel, will produce the most pleasing results, and any lady who will try it will find that such is the truth. It is extremely inexpensive, and as one can make it oneself, one knows the ingredients, and that it is not injurious. Too much cannot be said in its favour, as many ladies testify. Stephanotis has also seen that many ladies wish for something which will remove warts; she begs to say that she for many years had been troubled with some on her hands, and though she tried a great number of remedies, they still remained. A short time since she was advised to try muriatic acid, and her warts soon quite disappeared. This remedy is entirely painless, and does not turn the warts black; it should be rubbed into them night and morning with a piece of stick, sharpened at the end. Stephanotis has not written to the Editor before, and fears she may not have addressed her letter correctly, but begs she will excuse any mistakes; she has herself proved that both the recipes she has mentioned are very valuable and effectual, and trusts they will prove so to other young ladies.

JULIA R. would be very grateful if the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN or any of the subscribers, could tell her of a publication that would enable one to teach oneself how to read music. I have no opportunity of taking lessons, so I want something simple. I have John Hullah's Exercises and Figures, but want a kind of key. If you could help me I should be very grateful for an answer in the Drawing-room" of next month if possible. [Try Hamilton's Instruction Book.]

BLUE BELL would be greatly obliged if the kind Editor could tell her a good remedy for removing moles from the face, as they do not add to her beauty. [I do not think moles can be removed.] Would the Editor or a correspondent also inform her of something that would prevent the hair from breaking off; my hair being very fine, it quickly gets to look poor. Also could anyone favour her with the words of a song called the Gipsy's Warning? Blue Bell is delighted with THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN; she thinks the tales are beautiful, and hopes the next story will be as nice. Will the Editor kindly tell me how I could improve my writing; I have always been delicate, and could not attend school. [Write from copies.]

BETA. [Cannot promise them just at present.] ELIZA, Twickenham. [When you have made the antimacassar wide enough, continue the same number of stitches without increasing or decreasing. After adding enough extra rows in this way to make it the required length, complete the square as usual. Helena is accented on the first syllable.] ETTIE. [Get Lady's Knitting Book, first series (Hatchard, Piccadilly.] A. H. [The slippers need not be made Cigar-case or tobacco-pouch. up. Cricketbelt worked in wool, or braces, ditto. Your letter was delayed through not having been sufficiently addressed. "Sylvia, care of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN," is not a full address. Another time, please add, Messrs. Ward, Lock, and Tyler, Warwick House, Paternoster Row, London, E.C. The full address is on the front page of the magazine.]

EXCHANGE COLUMN. 1. All letters on addressed

this subject must be

To the Editor of
THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN.
Warwick House, Paternoster Row
London, E.C,

Young Englishwoman's Exchange.)

RULES.

2. All letters must contain a large, fullydirected, stamped envelope, the stamp to be enclosed, not affixed.

3. Notices must be written legibly on one side of a sheet of paper, separate and distinct from communications for the Drawing-room or Work-room.

4. Announcements of the nature of an Advertisement cannot appear in this column.

5. The charge for insertion in THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN'S Exchange is threepence for every twelve words, and one penny extra for every additional four words, except in cases where the address is published. The insertion, in these cases, is free.

6. The only articles that can be advertised for sale are Books and Music.

7. All articles of wearing apparel advertised for exchange must be new; Furs, Laces, Shawls, and Rugs alone excepted.

8. Notices must be sent before the roth of preceding month.

JENNIE has a pretty pair of gold and coral carrings, cost 15s. 6d., which she will exchange for a gold ring under that value. Address, Miss Simms, Paris House, Fakenham, Norfolk.

M. L. B. has for exchange the following pieces and songs: Oho, Oho, Lady Look down Below; solo by Offenbach, from Genevieve de Brabant; In August, and Oh! Sing Me not that Strain Again (Madame Sainton Dolby); L' Etranger (Giulio Allary); Dream of Angels, Little One (Franz Abt); A Lullaby (Harriet Young); Melvil Castle (Mr. Campbell) ; L'Addio (Sarmiento); Melodo Pratico (singing exercises by Vaccai); Grand Rondeau Brilliant (C. M. von Weber); L'Angelo Souvenirs (L. P. Gerville); Souvenir de la Pologne (2nd set of Mazurkas by Chopin); Les Cloches du Monastere, Nocturne (Lefebvre Wely); Melody in F (A. Rubinstein); The Marseillaise (Boyton Smith); Deutsche Volkslieder (Fritz Spindler); Oak Wreath, and Lily of the Valley Waltzes (Mrs. Hayes); Prince Albert Band March (Stephen Glover); Fairy Song, solo and chorus for ladies voices, by Robert Taylor. All quite clean.

I would give anyone of the above in exchange for the Blue Danube, Guards, Mabel, or other good waltzes; and any four in exchange for the Messiah, Israel in Egypt, or the Creation. M. L. B., Post-office, Swansea, Glamorganshire.

S. A. S. has the following pieces to exchange, namely: Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still (Brinley Richards), Is. 6d. ; Alice Eugèn (Woylke), Is.; Golden Cloudlets (W. Smallwood), 6d., all in good condition; or she will take in their stead Clochette (Molloy), or the Storm (I do not know who it is by); or Won't You tell Me Why, Robin? She also wishes to add, that she wrote to H. B. Berks, and sent her nineteen stamps for a song, and has never received any answer. She cannot conclude without saying how much she likes the magazine. Address-Miss Stott, Pen Sychnant, near Conway, North Wales.

E. P. has the following pieces to dispose of, all in very good condition: Spirit of the Night, Galop (R. F. Harvey), 3s. ; Leitartikiel Waltzes (Johann Strauss), 4s.; Woodland Whispers Waltzes (Gerald Stanley), 4s.; Prince Imperial Galop (Charles Coote), 3s.; Sunbeam Brilliant Galop (Edward Dorn), 3s.; Minuet from Mozart's Symphony in E flat (Jules Schulhoff), 35.; Gloria in Excelsis (G. F. West), 3s. ; Ronda in A (Beethoven), 35.; Carnaval de Venise (Oesten), 35.; Russian Hymn (W. Kuhe), 2s. 6d.; No. 6 of Mess Souvenirs d'Ecosse (Madame Oury), 4s.; Reels and Strathspeys, 55. Any of the above will be sent for one fourth of the marked price. Address.Miss Peter, High Street, Kirkcaldy, N.B.

M. H. has the following music all in good condition, which she would exchange for other music, or anything useful, or would sell any of the pieces at 6d. each: Songs, Won't you tell me Why, Robin? Over the Sea; Say, What Shall my Song be To-Night? The One Fond Heart; Leoline; Only; have Brought Thee a Rose; Sing Birdie, Sing; Thy Will be

Done; The Beating of My Own Heart; Jenny of the Mill; A Dead Past; Good Night; Let Me be Near Thee; Boosey's Musical Cabinet; songs by Claribel, Gabriel, etc. The Captive Greek Girl. Pieces, selections from Norma ; Santa Lucia; Wedding March; Adagio Cantabile (Beethoven); Coote's Burlesque Lancers; Rowena; Maiden's Prayer: selection from La Sonnambula; The New Year; Evening Dew; La Sicilienne (duet); Les Cloches du Monastere; La Pluis Jolie. Address, M. H. Post Office, Atherstone.

Y. Z., has the following pieces and songs for sale Pieces, short pieces by Heller, 4d. ; two short sonatas (Tregang), Is.; Standchen (Heller), Is. 3d.; Impromptu (Schubert), IS. 3d. Pas des Nymphes (Clarke), 9d.; Alice (Wayche), IS.; Those Beautiful Bells (Grobe), 4d.; Illustration de l'Africaine (Kuhe), 1s. 3d.; Fenian Galop, Is. ; Book of Instructions (incomplete), 9d. Songs, La Manola, 6d.; I Lombardi Alla Prima Crociati (Verdi), Is. ; I Linger by the Mountain Stream (Gumbert), 9d.; Remember Now, Thy Creator (Westrop), 6d.; I Will Arise, and Go to My Father (Westrop), 6d. ; Simeon's Prophecy (Topliff), od.

Also 18 songs and pieces, including, The Forsaken Nest (song by Tito Mattei); In the South (song by Offenbach), and other songs and pieces by Hatton, Benedict, etc. The lot of 18, for 45., or separately, 6d. Address, Y. Z., Holy Brook House, Reading, Berks.

SUSIE writes: I have a lovely Algerian silk scarf or shawl, a yard square. Striped, but chief colour, gold; lovely to cut on the cross Also for trimming white opera cloak, etc. white washing grenadine skirt, very long and full, beautifully embroidered; for exchange, would like anything useful in dress for little girl of three. I have also a set of beautifully carved lava ornaments; brooch and earrings, unset, for exchange; nice black alpaca dress preferred. Where can I obtain the patterns of children's things exactly like your illustrations, which appear each month? [Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W.C.]

FANCHETTE has My Queen, by Blumenthal, in the key of E; it is quite new. She should like to exchange it for Don't be Sorrowful, Darling, by Molloy, in the lower key, or, When We are Old and Grey, Darling, also in the lower key.

LILY has for disposal a number of songs and pieces remarkably cheap; also THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for 1872, and "The Quiver for 1872, and "The Young Ladies' Journal for 1874. Lily will sell the magazines for half price. Send for list of music.

"

ESMERALDA would exchange with any subscriber a set of Table Parlour Croquet, a very suitable game for children. Also all the numbers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for 1874 for half price, or anything useful.

L. C., has the following pieces and songs to dispose of, would like in return works by Trollope, Bulwer Lytton, or Miss Braddon, a pair of jet earrings, or, in fact, is open to any offer except of music, of which she has sufficient. Instrumental music, Robert le Diable (Sydney Smith); Barcarole (Sydney Smith); Faust (Sydney Smith); When the Rosy Morn (G. F. West); Etoile de Ma Vie (F. Berger); Where the Bee Sucks (Jules Benedict); Rule Britannia (B. Richards); La Nouvelle Pluie de Perles (G. Osborne); The Guards Waltz (D. Godfrey); Hymne á la Vierge (Badarzewska). Songs, There Was a Time (J. Knight); The Spirit of Good (A. Lee); They Are Not Dead but Sleep (Blumenthal); The Girl and the Book (J. Hatton); My Star of Heaven (H. B. Farnie); Come Where the Moonbeams Linger, duet (F. Buckley). Address, L. C., Post Office, Otley, Ipswich, Suffolk.

JESSIE CLYDE sends 20 Devonshire fern roots, 6 varieties, Is., 100 leaves. Is., post-free. Northdown Lodge, Bideford, Devon.

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