alpaca dress skirt, with flounce 7 inches deep, headed with a reversed pleating. What would be the best way to alter it, having been worn for two years? [Please give further particulars, as to how it is now made, and how you wish it altered.]

THALIA Would feel obliged if Sylvia would kindly advise her how to make up two dresses. The one is of a thin drab material, with a blue satin stripe; it has a short skirt with a flounce round the bottom, and a panier that is long behind and short in the front. The other is a white alpaca, that is made in the same way as the blue and drab. She also wishes to know how out-door velvet jackets are made for elderly and for young ladies. [Make the long back part of your paniers into tabliers, and the short front parts into bows and ends, ladies, velvet jackets are tight or half-tight; for elderly ladies, half-tight or loose.]

For young

MARY ISA is much obliged to Sylvia for the information about her dress; she was enabled to make it up very neatly. She would also like to know how to make up a black silk that is all frayed round the bottom of the skirt and round the pocket; also, the waist does not fit well. The skirt is gored and full width, the waist quite plain, wide old-fashioned sleeves; not very large panier, open in front. She would like it made into a walking dress, and does not want to be at any great expense with it as regards trimming; at present it is trimmed with Yak lace and satin piping. Also what she could wear on her shoulders in the summer season. She has a demifitting black silk jacket, but does not like it, as she is tall and stout, and fancies it does not become her. Any suggestion from Sylvia will oblige her very much. [Together with your demi-fitting black silk jacket, your dress ought to do. Turn up the frayed part round the bottom of the skirt, and to make up the length, join on some black material to the top. Mend your pocket; the panier will cover it. Make your jacket tight-fitting, with basque, and trim its sleeves with the sleeves of your body. They must be lined, as must the jacket. Will the back of your panier make a tablier? If so, you could get bows and ends from the front, and from what you get off your jacket.]

Lizzie would be obliged if Sylvia would kindly inform her what colour and what material would best suit her for a wedding dress-one that would be useful afterwards. She has black hair, rather dark complexion, without colour, is 5 feet 5 inches in height, and has rather a slight figure; age 22. She also wishes to know what would be suitable for a bridesmaid with light hair and fair complexion, with colour. Also the best way to make them. [As Lizzie asks "what colour," Sylvia presumes she does not wish to wear white. Light grey is the next prettiest colour. Japanese silk would be pretty, or grey cashmere. If Lizzie wants quite an inexpensive wedding dress, as I fancy she does, a grey homespun or batiste would be the best. These would be useful afterwards. If the dress need not be so inexpensive, a light silk is always useful-pale blue, or pale mauve. It is difficult to advise when I have no idea of the pecuniary circumstances of my correspondent. Blue would suit your bridesmaid. A bride's dress was given in our March number.]

SWEET BRIAR Wwould be greatly obliged if Slyvia would give her a little advice. Sweet Briar has a silk velvet jacket bodice, and it is too small for her across the chest ; she is unable to let the turnings out down the front, or the seams, as the velvet is rather worn. What could she do to enlarge it? [Let the turnings out, line them, and cover with bias band of black silk or passementerie.]

BESSIE writes:-Will Sylvia tell me where I can procure the black net now used for tablier and cuirass, embroidered with silk braid and cashmere. I intend making one if you will kindly answer me, as I do not know where to get the net, nor what it is called. I have plenty of braid and cashmere, and I know how to do the embroidery. I am encouraged to apply to you, as I see you answer the questions so readily and kindly. [Send to Peter Robinson's, Oxford Street, W.]

MARGARET would feel much obliged if Sylvia would advise her how to alter a black cashmere cape, which is now old-fashioned, although little worn, being made like a jacket without sleeves, and short lapels on the shoulders, divided up the back with a bow. It is trimmed with Yak lace, satin, and gimp. Would the dolman pattern lately given be suitable, or will jackets be more fashionable? The upper capes would cut the large dolman sleeves. [By all means make it into a dolman, which is a very graceful garment, and will be very fashionable.] What would be the lowest price of Izod's patent corsets? [About 12s.] What would be suitable to make a skirt and bodice to wear under a transparent black grenadine polonaise, which is open up the front and also at the neck and sleeves. It is for a slight mourning indoor dress, and must be made with a high body and long sleeves, as Margaret is rather tall and thin, with dark hair. How would Sylvia advise the skirt to be made? [The skirt must be either of black grenadine or silk, and should be trimmed with bands or flounces unless worn trained, when it may be perfectly plain, if preferred.]

Or

JENNIE would be much obliged for Sylvia's advice. She has a white alpaca dress, with two frills put over each other, and a heading about two inches and a-half, bound both edges; there is no tunic, but a jacket body trimmed with the quilling. Could she have a light green underskirt, and the white made into a tunic? will Sylvia kindly tell her what she could get to make a nice summer dress, and what bonnet would look well with it? She is 5 feet 4 inches, medium fair, rather light brown hair, and full figure, and nearly nineteen years old. [Your white alpaca ought to make a handsome tablier and tunic ends, which, with the jacket body, you could wear over a black skirt. A coloured skirt would be very unfashionable, and far from pretty. The skirt could be made of velveteen, silk, or black woollen material, such as satin cloth. You could wear a bonnet of any colour with this.]

E. L. begs to differ from Eliza, Twickenham, in the way of making an oblong-shaped antimacassar in netting. E. L. thinks she will find the correct way to be thus: Begin with one stitch, increase at the end of each row, until you have the width required, then increase and decrease alternately at the end of each row (increasing on one side of the work and decreasing on the other) until you have the length required, then decrease at the end of each row until finished.

ARABELLA NONSENSE would like to ask Sylvia something, if she would be so kind as to answer her. She has a mauve French merino dress, rather faded, but not worn out. The under-skirt is quite plain, and the top one is made plain too, with the exception of a little fulness behind, I mean looped up. The body was the same pattern as you gave us in March number, 1874; the only trimming was some ribbon of the same colour. It looked very nice when new, but it can be turned. If you can give her a few useful instructions as to making it up again she would consider it a great favour. Now, with your permission, I'll give a short de

scription of her figure. She is about 5 feet 5 inches in height, good figure, but rather long and plain face, with brown hair, no eyelashes at all. Hardly a very interesting description, is it? But now, fearing I've taken too much of your valuable space, I'll only ask one more favour. Could a young lady of sixteen, nearly seventeen, that is Arabella's age, wear a bonnet? and what shape do you think would suit her. [If you would like to go to a little expense, you might make your turned dress very pretty by buying enough violet French merino to make a sleeveless jacket and to trim the tablier-the skirt also, if you wish. You do not say what shape your upper skirt is, but the tunics that were fashionable last year will sometimes make a tablier by being turned with the back to the front. Try yours this way, and trim with a band of violet merino all round, with ends of same at back. Sleeves of the mauve. Mauve and violet hat or bonnet. The turned-back brim would be more suitable than any other shape at your age. You ought to have had your YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN long before you wrote; it was out very early, on account of Easter.

PHOEBE ANNIE would be much obliged to Sylvia if she would tell her what would be the price of a pair of plain netted curtains, three yards long and one and a quarter wide, with a fancy edging all round. [About 128.] Phabe Annie would like to know what Sylvia would advise her to do with a blue French merino dress. She has a plain trained skirt, about four yards and a half wide, and a jacket bodice. Having nothing of the same colour, she is puzzled how to alter it, as she does not wish to buy more merino. [I should advise you to make the skirt into a handsome tablier, with bows and ends, to wear over a black or dark blue velveteen skirt.]

LENORE presents compliments to Sylvia, and begs her valuable assistance in a difficulty under which she labours. Lenore has a black merino tablier and bodice, braided and beaded, which was originally intended to wear over a black silk trained skirt. But, as trained skirts are inconvenient in the street, and Lenore wishes to make a good deal of use of the tablier, she thinks of dyeing a dress she has, which is very much faded but not much worn, to wear with it. The dress is pale blue alpaca, with tunic buttoned up the front, sweeps the ground an inch or two, and is trimmed with three bars of the material. The difficulty is the colour which the dress ought to be dyed, and the style of making up. Lenore's summer bonnet is black, trimmed with very pale blue and cream-coloured flowers; and her hat is trimmed with very dark brown silk, and another pale shade of silk inclining to fawn; and she would like the skirt to match with both. Could Sylvia make a suggestion? Lenore has an old black silk tunic which might serve for edging frills, or anything of that sort. She is sorry to say she is rather extravagant, and apt to get into debt, in consequence of which paternal remonstrances are not infrequent, so she would not like to buy any new material for the skirt. Would Sylvia also suggest how she should make up the latter? Lenore is very small, wanting an inch or two of five feet, and does not care for much trimming on her skirts, especially in the way of frills. She has dark hair, eyes, and complexion. Lenore likes THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN very much, but she thinks if Mr. Thackeray had been alive he would not have failed to make some sarcastic remarks on the page which treats of fashionable marriages. [With a black tablier you can wear only a black skirt. The best style for short people is the kilt pleating from the waist. You will have plenty of material for this. Pullar and Sons, Perth, are very good dyers.]

OUR DRAWING-ROOM.

net ?

LINA MASSE wishes me to write to you as she is not well, and tell you she is sorry she did not explain herself fully; but what she meant was, she has a very high forehead, and one of the young Englishwomen asked if it was not considered ugly in a woman with a high forehead, and their answer was, Yes. Now Lina has a very good face, at least I mean a pleasant one, and she was distressed when she saw the answer in March number, and if you can help her, do, please. I am not a subscriber, but may I please, ask one question. At what age is it considered proper for a young lady to wear a bonI like your YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN very much. [Lina Masse need not be distressed because she has a high forehead. At present low foreheads are "fashionable," absurd as it seems to say so, but high foreheads may "come up again" before very long. Meanwhile, very many people prefer a high forehead in both men and women to a low one. The great beauty of a forehead consists in its breadth. The height matters little, comparatively speaking. With a high forehead you have the advantage of being able to wear your hair low, but those who have low foreheads can never wear it high. Do not wear your hair tightly dragged back. Wear it rather loose.]

LITTLE DARKIE.-Would you kindly tell me if the hair is kept in plaits, does it add to the growth of it? Can you inform me the cause of the upper part of the nose going so much in? I hope I am not troubling you too much, but this is the first time I have written. [Keeping the hair "plaited" is supposed to hinder the growth. I do not quite understand your second question. Do you mean noses in general, or any one particular nose?]

LITTLE WIFE wants to know the best recipe for sticking unmounted photos in albums? How best to cure a habit of biting finger nails? Being troubled with hair on the upper lip, whether it is better to shave or pull the hairs out in order to get rid of it? Is it likely to increase if left alone? Replies begged in next

number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN.

FANNY Would very much like to ask you a rather painful question, if you could favour her with an answer in May number she will think it very kind of you. Fanny has sent her address, but asks you not to publish it unless of great necessity. Knowing you are such a kind gentleman she hopes you'll try and answer her questions. For some long time she has been very ill, obliged to keep her bed. Fanny, who is nineteen, was courted by a young nobleman before her illness. I suppose he liked her only for her money and pretty looks, for when she got out the first time after her illness, she met Lord N. with a friend of hers, and she afterwards found out he had forsaken her for her friend. Poor Fanny, she has nearly broken her heart over it. Did it not seem dreadful? But poor dear Fanny, who is my sister, would like to know if she should try and win him again, or what should she do. She has begged me to give her advice, but I could only tell her to let him go, as he could not be worth anything to behave so; so I've written to you for dear Fanny. Perhaps you'll try and give us some advice. Hoping I have written according to rules, I'll end my note, but not without telling you how much we like your famous magazine, and hope you'll succeed more and more every year. We are on a visit to Ventnor now for a month, so don't delay the letter if you can help it. What a charming place it is to be sure. [Your advice was excellent, and we could not give better. In such cases women can do nothing, but they ought not to break their hearts, if they can

help it. The gentleman could not really have cared for Fanny, or he would have been very sorry that she should be ill, and very glad to see her again after so long a time. Let Fanny try to forget him, and as she gets stronger in health, it may not seem quite so impossible to do so as it perhaps does now 'when she is only a convalescent. There are many good and beautiful things in life worth living for, even after the most beautiful, love, has gone out of it. But we have hope for Fanny. She will not waste her young years lamenting for a man who cares "only for money and pretty looks," but will some day like much better some one else, who will care for her for herself].

would take up too much of our space. It is called the "General Expenditure Assurance Company." The idea is excellent, and deserves to succeed. A prospectus will be sent you if you will write to the secretary, at the offices, 8, Old Jewry, London, E.C.] I have read also in Mrs. Beeton's Book of Every-Day Cookery" a few remarks for purchasing; there is spoken of a Civil Service Co-operative Association who sell tickets; will you kindly tell me if it is yet in existence, and where to apply for them? [The Civil Service Co-operative Stores are still in existence. Only members of the Civil Service can hold tickets. There are other co-operative stores on the same principle, of which any one can be a member. The principal one is in Queen Victoria Street. That is a sufficient address.] Where could patterns be ob tained for making vestments for Catholic priests and churches? I have tried to renovate a black merino dress with Judson's dye. I followed the directions, but did not succeed. Must anything be added to the colour? When dry, the material had run, and was quite soft; I was obliged to send the dress to a dyer's. [Patterns for vestments for Catholic priests can be had of Frank Smith & Co., Southampton Street, Strand, W.C.] I have seen by the letter of one of your correspondents that two coloured plates are given with each number. I only receive one, is it the stationer's fault? [Only one coloured plate is given with each number.]

K. E. writes-I have lately become a subscriber to your valuable magazine, and am delighted with the useful information it contains. I shall be greatly obliged to you if you can inform me where I can procure a stay made very long and fitting over the hips as they used to be worn some years ago. I am unfortunately very stout, or rather my hips and bust are very large compared to the size of my waist, and I find it quite impossible to wear the short small stays usually sold. I have tried a good many makers, but, as yet, have been disappointed in procuring the kind of support I require. I like the French stays as they are so much lighter to wear, and as the fashion is so much in favour of slender figures, I fancy Parisienne ladies must be wearing different corsets to those which are sold in England. I have had stays made for me, but they are so thick and clumsy and when drawn in the waist force the bust out of its proper place, and distort the figure? [Order a corset of Izod & Co., 30, Milk Street, Cheapside, E.C.]

CACTUS will be very grateful if Sylvia will kindly inform her if tortoise-shell brooches, inlaid with gold, are still fashionable, and if they are likely to continue so? And from what price are they obtainable? [They are not fashionable now. Packer, Regent Street, has them from 8s. 6d.] In drinking from a wine glass, is it proper to hold it by the stem, or the cup? A little of both.] Please explain what is meant by a "matrimony cake," is it used at Christmas, and is it cut for tea or supper? Cactus has her best under linen made of Horrocks's longcloth; she would like some good embroidery that wears well, for trimming, and has heard that Madeira work tears in washing: does Sylvia think the Beau Ideal Embroidery sufficiently good? [Quite good enough; washes well.]

M. A. B. would be greatly obliged to the Editor or any of his readers if they would inform her how to produce skeleton leaves?

J. A. G., who has long been a subscriber to THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, and who has quite as long derived both profit and amusement from its pages, has great pleasure in com

plimenting the Editor upon the result of his very successful efforts to support the undeniably refined and high class tone of his excellent periodical. J. A. G. has not before had occasion to trouble the Editor with questions, but would now be pleased to have replies to the following:-What is the correct pronunciation of the word Valenciennes? What is the price of a good set of sable furs? [From twenty guineas upwards.] For what are the small size of steel knives used since silver is used for dessert, and spoons and forks for puddings? [They are only used at breakfast.] How should Herefordshire be pronounced? ["Her," as in herring. It is a word of four syllables.]

LAURA. You would be doing me a great favour if you would be so kind as to tell me at what book-store in England cheap editions of the following words could be procured, viz., "Life and Times of Montrose," by Mark Napier, and "Memoirs of Dundee," by the same author? I am especially anxious to obtain the latter work. I would not have troubled you thus had I not been aware of your invariable kindness and courtesy in answering other correspondents, which I hope will be extended to myself. If you are unable to afford the de. sired information, perhaps one of your correspondents will do so. I reside in Canada, and consequently have not access to book-stores in England. where, I think, these publications are more likely to be obtained; but if I had some idea of the price, and where they could be procured, I would send for them by a Canadian bookseller.

A. S. P.-Can any of our correspondents inform an old subscriber, whether a white sheepskin hearth-rug can be cleaned at home, by simple washing, or in a washing machine, and what precaution is necessary?

LOUISE MAY will feel very grateful if Sylvia will answer her the following questions: Could one make nice pound and other cakes with half the usual quantity of butter and eggs if Borwick's baking powder is used? [Plum cakes made with these proportions would not be good. How wide should the hems of tablenapkins be? [As narrow as the hem of a pocket handkerchief] And how should Liebig's extract of meat be used for making gravies, etc.; and would Sylvia give instructions how to set down servants' wages, as she is anxious to have her book right, that she need not be ashamed to see it? [Have you an ordinary account book, or one of Letts' Housekeeping books? If the former, you must put the date of each payment and the amount, add the amounts up at the end of each page, and carry it on to the next.] When one sends a letter with a servant to a tradesman, should one write "please send" me or give me? [Please send.]

YOUNG NELL is very anxious to know how to embroider her handkerchief. What book of instructions ought she to get, that will tell her exactly how to do it?

A COUNTRY GIRL asks: Will Sylvia kindly answer me a few questions, which I don't think you'll refuse if you can. They are these.

What will remove the mark left from a boil? I had one a year ago on my face, but the scar still remains; will it always do so? [There is no way of removing the scar. In time it will gradually disappear. You must be very careful not to touch it roughly.] Will anything prevent the nose from being so often red, especially after meals, and when coming from a walk and then sitting by the fire? [There must be a fault in your digestion, or perhaps you lace tightly. Sometimes a red nose is constitutional. I do not know of any cure.] What will tighten the skin of my forehead? Instead of being nice and tight like other people's, it is so loose and flabby, quite as loose as the skin on my cheeks, and sometimes full of little pimples, can you tell me what will tighten it a little, if only a little, I don't mind so much about the pimples? Would any one kind of soap be better than another? I'm afraid you'll laugh at me, but you don't know how miser

able as well as ugly all these things make me, so I know you will help me if you possibly can. I should be very much indebted to you or any of your numerous readers who could answer my questions. If there is anything to pay will gladly forward you an amount in stamps. Do, please, let me know in the June number. I have been told to bathe the forehead frequently with cold water, but that only makes it rough, not tight? [Bathing your forehead with cold water will not help to tighten the skin. You must rub it vigorously with cold water and a rough towel twice a day. This will thicken the cuticle, and cause the outer skin to be tighter. For the pimples, I would recommend you to wash your whole body every morning in water with a little salt in it, and use oatmeal soap, or a little plain oatmeal in the water. I do not laugh at you in the least. You are quite right to wish to look your best. After you have tried this treatment for a little while, use a few drops of Rimmel's toilet vinegar in the water you wash your face in.]

AN OLD LADY has had great pleasure in transcribing this beautiful hymn for Nellie, who asks for it in "The Work-room" this month.

I will not, I will not, desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

[Nellie's thanks are due to S. A., J. H., A. C. L., An Old Subscriber, and Daisy, who have all sent copies of the words of this hymn. Daisy wishes for the words of "Kathleen Mavourneen."]

MAY'S compliments to the Editor, and would he tell her the best place to get the cut beads now so much worn? [To what kind of cut beads do you refer?] Could you tell me a nice way of arranging my hair? I am seventeen, fair, my hair is soft, brown, and rather long. I have always worn it curled, as it suits me, so should be unwilling to lose all of them.

How is the curled Catogan managed? [Instead of the pendant plait the hair is worn in curls at the back, tied with a ribbon.] Also, could you give a nice crochet pattern for antimacassars next month? May is sorry to trouble you with so many questions, but living in the country she finds THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN very useful, and likes it very much? [We give crochet stars on our pattern sheets every month. Two or three different stars connected by very slight crochet, would make a very pretty antimacassar.]

CORALIE, who has taken THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for some years, will feel greatly obliged to the Editor if he will kindly insert the following questions in the next number of the magazine:-1. Where can she obtain patterns for ornamental leather work? 2. Where can specimens of such work be seen? 3. What is used for staining the leather?

MAUD would be greatly obliged if the Editor, or any of his correspondents, would kindly tell her how to do her hair. Maud is in her nineteenth year, height four feet ten inches, hair rather fair, she wishes to do it herself, but cannot manage plaiting? [Try the following style, described by the Paris correspondent of the Hornet :-You begin by dividing the front and back hair by a parting reaching from ear to ear. You then take a little lock of the back hair at the top and another little lock at each side of the head, and you plait these three little locks of hair together, and then twist them into a knot in the centre of the back, allowing the rest of the hair to fall underneath this knot. You now place a plait of false hair over the back knot and plait this together with the natural hair of the person. Turn back this long plait and fasten it to top of centre knot. After this, you take the front hair and turn it back from the forehead. The two ends of the front hair are formed into a bow, which is placed over centre knot to hide it. A thick twist of hair is then placed over the front of the knot and encircles the head like a wreath. It is fastened together under the long back loop. A bow of velvet or ribbon may be attached to the loop at the back, and another bow be placed on the side of the head for evening wear.] Also to take black stains out of marble?

ANNA presents her compliments to the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, and would feel obliged if he could inform her where in London Sapoline (the magic soap), may be procured? [J. Webb, 163, City Road, E.C.]

I. A. M. Will Sylvia kindly give I. A. M. a little advice about Judson's dyes? I like them very much, but I find the colours run. What must I do to prevent this? Also tell me what colours to wear. I am tall, full figure, with dark brown hair, dark grey eyes, and very pale generally. I was surprised to see last month that E. M. was to wear pale mauve as she is dark and pale. Pink is supposed to suit me, but I am not sure that it does? [Pale mauve when judiciously mingled with violet may suit a dark, clear complexion. For your colours, see Letter on Politeness and Etiquette in our May number.]

L. C. G.-Will you kindly inform me what is meant by the white soft soap in the recipe given by Stephanotis in the April number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN? [Will Stephanotis kindly explain.]

MARJORIE Would be glad if Sylvia would kindly give her a little advice. Are washing hats considered nice summer wear for everyday for young children? [They are not now so fashionable as they used to be. Straw Dolly Vardens are worn.] How should Marjorie dress her little girl (two years) and boy (under twelve months) in mourning for their grandmamma? [Children of that age need not be put into deep mourning. The baby can wear black ribbons with his white dresses, and the little girl can have black dresses and wear white pinafores over them.] May they be dressed alike? [If you wish to put the baby into

black.] How long should it be worn? [Six to nine months.] Which will be most fashionable for Marjorie's own wear; a dolman trimmed to match her best dress, or a silk jacket? [A dolman.]

ANNIE presents her compliments to the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, and will feel much indebted to him if he will kindly tell her who is the publisher of the "Classiques du Piano," and of Halle's "Pianoforte School," also the price of each? Both were mentioned in a former number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, in one of the chapters on Girls."

A MAIDEN AUNT hopes the following suggestion for making cards a useful as well as a pleasant source of amusement in the family circle, may be considered worthy of insertion in the 44 Drawing-room of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN'S journal. A Maiden Aunt forms one of a happy family circle, "far from the madding crowd,' whose chief recreation during the long winter evenings consists in a game of whist. Each game is played with the view of adding to the poor-box, to which the losing party contributes twopence, which, not only increases the interest of the game, but has during the present winter contributed by this means one guinea donation to each of several charities, among which were the Children's Hospital, the City Missionaries, The Paralyzed and Epileptic Hospital, etc., etc. Should any of your readers be influenced by this suggestion, to make cards not only the medium of pleasure, but also of charity, the Maiden Aunt may perhaps learn in a future number of your journal? [If A Maiden Aunt should favour us with another letter, will she kindly prepay it ?]

ROSA M. asks: Seeing you so kindly reply to others, I venture to trouble you. Can you or any correspondent tell me from what the following lines are taken :

That lofty thing the human mind,
The palace and the throne,
"Where awful reason sits as king,

And breathes his judgment tone.
Oh, who with fragile steps shall trace
The borders of that haunted place,
Nor in his weakness own,
That mystery and marvel bind,
That lofty thing, the human mind?"

If a short poem, would you kindly send the whole words?

SILLA will esteem it a favour if Sylvia can inform her what is the title of a song in which are the words, "I am lonely to-night, love, without thee," and who is the composer? [There is a song called "I am lonely to-night," but I do not know the composer.] Also if Lancer feathers will clean or dye? [They will neither clean nor dye.]

GERANIUM. Seeing how kindly all are answered in the "Drawing-room," I have come for a little advice. live in a remote part of the country, so have no opportunity of taking singing lessons. My voice is not very strong, but I have a good ear. Could I in any way improve myself? [Practise, especially scales and exercises. Do not sing long at one time. Go to concerts when you have the chance.] I also find that after singing very little I get a little hoarse. Is there anything which would remove the hoarseness? [Practice will

strengthen your voice, and you will by degrees be able to sing longer without the hoarseness.} I would feel much obliged if you would also tell me if a song of C. Rossetti's, beginning When I am dead, my dearest," has been set to music, if so, where could I procure it?

MINNIE wishes to know how the word castle should be pronounced, as cas-tel, or cas-sel? [The latter,] Is there anything that can be put into the water to prevent the dye washing out of magenta or rose-coloured wool? Do the fashions for baby's linen alter, or would those that have been worn fifteen years since,

do now, as I have little robes and under-clothing as good as new, I should like to give to a friend if they would be of any use? [They alter very slightly.] How, and when, should calling cards be used? When you make a call should you send one in to the mistress of the house, with the maid who opens the door? [No.] Or should you only leave it if none of the family are at home? [Only then.] If it is inconvenient to call on a newly-married friend, and you send your card by post instead, should she send hers in return? [Do not send visiting cards by post.] If she does send hers intead of calling personally, have you to infer she does not intend to call at all? [You cannot expect her to call on you till you have called on her.] What does it mean to turn down the corner of a calling card? [It is never done now. It meant that your call was for all the ladies in the house. Now two cards are left.] In removing plates at dinner, should the waiter at table take the plate from the right or left side of each person? [From the left side. If you are staying at a friend's house and any one calls, is it necessary to shake hands when introduced, or is it sufficient only to bow, if you don't care to make further acquaintance? [It is sufficient to bow.] I have tried to comply with all rules, have done so, and is this addressed right? [You have written on both sides of the paper, which is against rules. You addressed correctly.]

EXCHANGE COLUMN.

1. All letters on addressed

purchase. J. B. H. has also twenty numbers of the Musical Bouquet," only two of them a little torn; she will sell the twenty for thirty-six stamps. Address, J. B. H., 59, Denmark Road, Northampton. [See Rule 9.

C. M. P. has pianoforte pieces to dispose of at reduced prices. List sent on application. Address, C. M. P., The Rectory, Curry Mallett, Taunton, Somersetshire.

E. L. has all the numbers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN complete for 1872, 1873, and 1874, will sell for half price, or anything useful. Address, E. L., Post Office, Battle, Sussex.

MISS POPPLETON, Horsforth, Leeds, has several new songs for sale at reduced prices. Send for lists.

MRS. LUSH, of Crane Street, Salisbury, has THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for 1873 and 1874 (unbound) in good condition, which she will sell at half price, together or separate.

A. H. wishes to obtain No. 50 of "Cassell's Illustrated Magazine," for cash or exchange. Address, A. H. Handsworth, Post Office, Vitter Road, Handsworth.

COUSIN MAGGIE wishes to obtain "The Percys," or " Alone," or "Ida May," all in the Lily Series. Cousin Maggie would give music in return. [List sent on application.] Address, M. A. P., The Post Office, Low Bentham, near Lancaster.

A. G. S. has two volumes of "The Young Ladies' Journal," 1872 and 1873, THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, 1873, and songs and pieces [list sent on application] to exchange for other music or anything useful to a lady. Address, A. G. S., 28, York Road Lambeth, London,

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 10th of preceding month.

9. We cannot continue to publish long lists of music. These form uninteresting matter for general readers. Therefore, advertisers will oblige by substituting for the lists these words, "Lists sent on application."

A. L. P. has pieces of music to dispose of, in very good repair. Will not dispose of less than three at a time. She has also the twelve numbers of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for 1874, which she will sell for 5s. (carriage not being paid). The numbers are scarcely soiled at all, and much below the original price. A. L. P. has also the numbers of the "Quiver" for 1873 & 1874, for which she will charge 2s. 6d. each year (carriage unpaid). Address, A. L. P., Curry Mallett Rectory, near Taunton. [See Rule 9.]

J. B. H. has many pieces and songs for

L. P. has several pieces and songs to dispose of very cheaply. Send for list to L. P., Post Office, Ely. [See Rule 5.1

MAUD II., having purchased a bottle of Madame Corinne's "Antiphelic Milk," for removing freckles (price 6s.), wishes to dispose of three-fourths of the contents of the bottle. Would take in exchange Moxon's 3s. 6d. edition of "Byron's Poetical Works," and a pretty wool mat, colour shades of green, for standing a flower vase on. Maud has also several new cut-out paper patterns of jacket bodies, fichus, etc., some from Madame Goubaud, which she would exchange for half price. Open to offers. Address. M. M., Post Office, Dugort, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland.

JENNIE has for exchange a handsome large fan-shaped aigrette for the hair, gold, with coloured stones and white pearls, quite new, cost 8s., which she would exchange for a pair of gilded bracelets, or anything useful in fancy jewellery. Open to offers. Address, Miss Simens, Paris House, Fakenham, Norfolk.

NOTICE. After this month no advertisements will be inserted in the "Exchange Column" unless accompanied by the required number of stamps, as specified in Rule 5.

Advertisements of Lady's Work, Pet Animals, etc., for this part of the Paper, are charged for at the rate of One Shilling for Twelve Words.

L. E. has a number of manuscript sermons for sale. Address with Editor.

J. B. H., 59, Denmark Road, Northamp ton, sends crochet patterns, seven stamps each, two for thirteen stamps.

MISS CLYDE, Northdown Lodge, Bideford, Devon, sends 20 roots of Devonshire ferns, 6 varieties, or 100 leaves, for 12 stamps. She sends a box containing 100 roots, 9 varieties, for 5s.

Correct delineation of character from handwriting. 12 Stamps. Young Englishwomen, please send to N. N. Address with Editor.

MAGGIE makes an unfailing hair lotion. A trial bottle sent on receipt of 20 stamps. Maggie, Post Office, Upper Norwood.