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There is so much music going on in London just at present, that it is difficult to know what is best to choose for notice in these columns. Benefit concerts, as they are called, are going on almost daily of varying calibre, but these, as a matter of fact, add but little to our musical experiences. We must content ourselves with noticing. briefly the most important musical events of the month. Of these, the proceedings at the two opera houses naturally claim our attention first; but here there is really little to be recorded of positive interest. We have simply had, for the most part, as we always shall have in the present state of operatic management, the old operas given over and over again, with more or less important variations in the casts. At Covent Garden "Romeo and Juliet," with Madame Patti, has been performed with success, but our notice of it will have to stand over to next month. At Drury Lane there has been one event of importance to record, the production of "Lohengrin," with Madame Nilsson in the character of Elsa. But this, after all, does not amount to much; the chief interest in Herr Wagner's opera was exhausted after a few performances at the other house, where Mr. Gye quite took the wind out of Mr. Mapleson's sails, and all that the public cared about was to consider the merits of the rival performances. As we said before, the interest in "Lohengrin " itself was gone, and in spite of the prophecies of the Wagnerites, we cannot feel that the opera will have anything like a lasting hold upon the affections of English opera goers. The Drury Lane version has this advantage over that played at Covent Garden, that there are several important cuts which tend materially to relieve the tedium of the opera, the said cuts being made by Sir Michael Costa, with the composer's consent, but hardly, it is to be supposed, with his approval. Madame Nilsson makes a more attractive Elsa than Madame Albani, and her vocal powers are of a higher order, though it is a question if she plays the part better. Madame Titiens is, of course, a superb Ortruda, and deserves the thanks not of Mr. Mapleson only, for having consented to undertake such a thankless part. Signor Campanini is not equal to Signor Nicolini as the hero, though he is more familiar with the music. As for the mise-en-scene, of course Covent Garden, with its enormous stage and unequalled capabilities, must bear the palm.

Of the performances of the Opera Comique company at the Gaiety we have nothing but good to record. They boast of no stars, it is true, but they all act so well together, and sing so equally, that it is no wonder that the theatre is crowded every night. Their repertoire appears almost inexhaustible. Already they have given Halevy's "Mousquetaires de la Reine," Boildeau's "Dame Blanche," Auber's "Les Diamans de la Couronne" and "Domino Noir," Bazin's "Voyage en Chine," Herold's "Pré aux Clercs" and "Zampa," Donizetti's "Fille du Regiment," Victor Massés "Noces de

Jeannette," and Paer's "Maitre de Chapelle." The latest of these performances have been those of the "Domino Noir" of Auber, and Herold's "Zampa." In the former of these the cast was particularly good. Mademoiselle Priola was the heroine Angele, and though her voice shows undoubted signs of wear and tear, she sang the music in a true artistic style, and acted fairly well. M. Laurent made a capital Horace, and M. Sujol was a very amusing Lord Elfort, keeping clear of caricature in a most praiseworthy manner. But the gem of the performance was M. Joinnisse's Gil Perez. A more admirable delineation of the old convent pastor, humorous to the last degree, but without the least suspicion of caricature or anything objectionable, has seldom been seen. M. Joinnissé's success was unquestionable, and the famous song, "Deo Gratias," had to be repeated. "Zampa" introduced M. Tournié in the character of the mysterious hero. His voice, somewhat midway between a tenor and a barytone, is admirably suited to the music, which, by the way, Mr. Santley sang on the stage only a few years ago, and his dramatic powers are of a very high order.

Most of the regular series of concerts have either come to an end, or are at their last performance. Mr. Henry Leslie gave his eighth and ninth concerts on the 27th of May and the 11th of June. This last was to have terminated the series, but Mr. Leslie has announced an additional one for July 9, which will enable the various choral bodies who will be in town for the Crystal Palace competitions to hear his unrivalled choir, and, possibly, take a lesson. At the former concert, madrigals and part songs formed the chief staple of the entertainment. At the latter, several pieces were given which showed the famous choir to better advantage; such as Bach's difficult motett for double choir, "The Spirit also helpeth us," Mr.. Leslie's "Lullaby of Life," and Schubert's "Twentysecond Psalm," for female voices. At this concert, the principal vocal honours were carried off by Mr. Sims Reeves, who gave "Waft her angels," from "Jephthah," with the preceding recitative, in his usual unapproachable style; he also sang a new song of considerable merit, by Mr. F. H. Cowen, entitled, " Anbade," which he was good enough to repeat in answer to an almost unanimous call. Mr. Santley sang Hatton's "To Anthea," and "Voice of the Western Wind," Gounod's "Nazareth," and Mr. Leslie's "Speed on, my bark."

The remainder of our notes, must, of necessity, be of a summary character. Herr Alfred Jaell was the solopianist at the sixth Philharmonic concert, which took place on the 7th. He played Raff's Pianoforte Concerto, op. 185, and was loudly applauded. The Saturday-afternoon concerts at the Crystal Palace have approached more nearly in character to those given during the winter season, the music being of a more distinctly classical character than has hitherto been the case.

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.

JANEY would be very glad if Sylvia could tell her what to put a real ermine muff away in until next winter. [Wrap it in soft linen rag, between the folds of which shake pepper and camphor.] Also I have got a black silk dress; it was made three years since, it is made jacket bodice, short tunic, and long trimmed skirt; it has been very little worn; what shall I do to make it look fashionable? I forgot to tell you that I am married, and about thirty years old. [Trim it across the front with velvet, lace, or satin. Convert the tunic into bows and sash ends for the back. Mount the skirt at the back in the Bulgarian fold.]

MARIA A.'s compliments to Sylvia, and would be greatly obliged if she would give her a little advice in the July number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN. Maria has a white piqué dress skirt, walking length, with a flounce nearly half a yard wide, a tunic open in front, with a frill all round, it looks old-fashioned; what conld be done to make it a little more modern? [Close your tunic down the front with bows of black velvet. Loop high and far back, and make sash ends out of the back of the tunic.] Would a coloured tunic and body be an improvement? [No.] If so, what would you advise? body like the dress is useless as it is, yet I should be pleased with any suggestion in regard to the dress. Maria is 5 feet 4 inches, dark hair, pale complexion. [Wear with a black cashmere sleeveless jacket.]

The

L. A. presents her compliments to Sylvia, and will she kindly tell her what to do with a black silk dress? It has a plain trained skirt (a little worn in the gathers), a round tunic, plain body, and sleeves cut at the elbow, and a deep frill. The body is done for, being worn very much under the arms. The whole is trimmed with black lace. L. A. would like the skirt long (then she could wear it sometimes of an evening) and coat sleeves. Would a grenadine tunic and body do to wear over it to hide the

joins? If it would, will Sylvia kindly tell L. A. what shape to make it. Perhaps the lace off the old tunic would do to trim it with. I have taken THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for five years, but have never troubled you before, so please answer this request in the July number. What will be the most fashionable colour this summer? [Your silk tunic will make the coat sleeves. A grenadine tablier-tunic and body will do nicely to wear over it, and the lace will trim it very well. There are many different shapes of tunics, round, square, long, and short. Look at those on our pattern sheet last month, also in our fashion engravings this month, and Madame Goubaud will supply the flat pattern for about a shilling. There is no special fashionable colour as yet for the Pale blue and pale pink are likely to be much worn.]

summer.

MILLY W. would feel obliged to Sylvia if she could tell her how to alter a white piqué dress. The skirt is walking length, with a scalloped flounce 8 inches wide, bound with black braid and two rows of narrower braid above it, headed with a frill an inch wide, trimmed the same as flounce, and a bias band. It has a full panier, 34 inches long at the back; the apron fastens down the front, and 24 inches long, scalloped and trimmed the same as skirt; the body is short, and made with a band at the waist, and sewn to the panier, and trimmed to match. I do not want so much trimming on it again, as it makes it so difficult to get up nicely; the braid is getting a little rusty. [Cut all the braid off, and put on the flounces again, having simply hemmed them. Turn the back of the panier to the front to make a tablier, after having taken off the braid. Of the front of the panier make basques and ends for the back.]

M. WELCH asks :-Would a white straw bonnet, trimmed with maize and black velvet, or white and black velvet, with a steel or fawncoloured dress, be a neat and lady-like costume for the summer? [Yes.] What flowers would suit such a bonnet? [With the maize, you must wear maize or scarlet. With black and white, any colour.] Do Japanese silks wear well? [The best do.]

TERESE writes:-Would the kind Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN tell her what sort of material would be the best for a dressinggown; also, what would be suitable for a morningdress for a girl of twelve? Would you tell her how to do her hair? it is light, thin, and down to her shoulders. [Flannel for winter. Cashmere, llama, cambric, or calico for summer. Beige, or any light summer material. We give several styles of coiffure this month.] MATREFAMILIAS is thanked for her kind advice, but as she gave no name or address, we cannot publish her pleasant letter.

JANIE has a black silk polonaise, very full, and almost as good as new; but as it was made three years ago, it looks old-fashioned. Janie thinks it would very well make up into a tablier, with cuirasse bodice, and she has some yards of black and white striped mousseline-de-laine, which would make a full skirt and sleeves; but she saw in last month's magazine that black polonaises over coloured skirts will no longer be What would Sylvia advise her to do with it? Janie likes the magazine very much, and

worn.

finds it exceedingly useful, as she makes her own dresses. [Yes. I do not call black and white "coloured." You can wear it very well under your black silk tablier.]

A SUBSCRIBER will feel greatly obliged to Sylvia if she will kindly tell her whether a silk dress, like the pattern enclosed, would be at all old-fashioned for this summer? [Not if you make it up with a sleeveless jacket of plain green silk, the colour of the ground, or a shade darker. Trim the cuffs with the plain silk.]

MEG is sincerely obliged to Sylvia for her kindness in answering her queries in the June number. She has already put Sylvia's ideas into practice, and finds the dress will be very pretty indeed. Meg again ventures to ask her valuable assistance on a subject she quite intended naming before, but forgot; viz., what coloured bonnet could she wear with either a brown or grey silk dress? Meg does not want to wear blue, and is at a loss to know what colour will do with both dresses, as she cannot indulge in the luxury of bonnets en suite, she requires one that will look nice with anything. [You cannot do better than get a nice black chip, trimmed with black silk and lace, and wear a pretty wreath of flowers of any bright colour under the brim.] Meg has also 8 yards of brown satin cloth, with black figure; would it be possible to make a useful walking-dress, if some new material of another kind were added to it? [The only materials you could use with it are silk, satin, or velvet. It would make up very handsomely in conjunction with any of these.]

PRIM, who has been a regular subscriber to THE YOUNG ENGLISH WOMAN for many years, seeing how readily questions are answered in Our Work-room, ventures, for the first time, to ask Sylvia's advice. Prim has a moiré dress rather faded (pattern enclosed), made five years since with very long, plain gored skirt, plain high and low bodice, satin sash the same colour. Would Sylvia advise having it dyed into a darker shade, or any other colour; if so, where can it be well done? Prim is not fond of dyed silk dresses. Also, can Sylvia or any of her correspondents, tell Prim how to clean and improve the colour of vulcanite chains, etc.; it was once given in the magazine, but Prim cannot find it in the last year's numbers. Are gloves given to all the party at a wedding breakfast, or only to the bridesmaids and groomsmen ? [I am not fond of dyed silk dresses myself, but great improvements have been made in the art of dyeing lately. Your grey will take a good brown. Pullar and Sons, The Rotunda, Blackfriars Road, are the best dyers I know of. I would have sent you one of their books if you had sent your address. Gloves are given only to the bridesmaids and the groomsman. They are seldom taken. bridegroom has only one groomsman.]

The

The lady-like courtesy of Sylvia's replies renders it easy, even for a new subscriber, to ask questions in trustful confidence of kind assistance; and as a great and painful change of circumstances compels J. L. O. to use economy, and learn to make her own dresses, she will feel most grateful if Sylvia will kindly suggest a neat and simple way of converting the silk (as pattern) into a modern dress suitable for country life, and adaptable for out-door, or social evening wear. The

dress, in its present form, consists of 7 whole breadths; each 1 yard 3-16ths in length, and 20 inches wide; a full bodice, and coat sleeves. The silk is very little soiled. Its colour is now unbecoming to J. L. O, she having lost her fair complexion by severe illness, but perhaps by wearing a black lace sleeveless jacket the tint may not be so disfiguring. 2. Will Sylvia also kindly say if the striped material (new) may be trimmed round tablier and sleeves, etc., with a band of moire (like pattern), edged each side with narrow black lace? J. L O. has a trimming of this kind, worn but a short time, with broad sash of the same, which she would be glad to utilize, yet would trim with black velvet if Sylvia should so direct. 3 J. L. O. has 7 yards of black grenadine like the enclosed; may she trouble Sylvia still further to say if this will be sufficient for a polonaise? And if it will look well made with a simple hem? J. L. O. is 5 feet in height; is slight in figure, has sallow complexion, with brown hair and eyes; is unmarried, and nearly thirty years of age. [Make the seven breadths into a plain skirt, with the fulness at the back, and wear with a lace tablier and sleeveless jacket. You might wear a crimson bow at your throat and another tying your hair at the back. 2. I think the moire trimming will look very pretty on the black and white material. 3. Seven yards, with economy in cutting, will make a tablier and bodice, to be worn with a black or coloured sash. Grenadine looks unfinished with only a hem. Have you not some old black silk of which you could make a bias band to put round the tablier?]

ANONYMA writes:-I have seen lately a sort of wrapper used instead of a shawl; it is about 5-8ths of a yard in depth, and 4 yards long. About half a yard of this is fastened together with tassels behind, making a sort of burnouse; it is crossed over the chest and tied behind with cord and tassels. Could I get such a thing in London; at what shop, and about what price? [Peter Robinson's; from about 155.] I am thinking of crocheting something like the above, fearing it will be expensive to buy it already made. What wool would be best, Berlin, or is there any kind that would answer the purpose that is cheaper? Could I get them from Madame Goubaud, and what is the price per pound of each sort? [You can do it with either single or double wool. The price of both is 5s. 6d. per pound. I should think about three pounds of single wool would be sufficient.] Is Godfrey's Extract of Elder Flowers good for the complexion; is it supposed to be injurious? [Elder flowers are excellent for the complexion, and I believe Godfrey's extract to be quite harmless.]

ADA.-A white muslin polonaise is useful and fashionable. As you are in mourning you must wear black ribbons with it, and you cannot have it trimmed with lace, only frills of the material plainly hemmed. You can wear white tulle, but not white lace. The white borders you mention do look rather like widows' caps,

but they are worn, and make the black bonnet much more becoming than it would be otherwise.

BERTHA.-Your letter was written on both sides of the paper; you mixed up your Exchange advertisement with your questions, and you left no space for answers; therefore we cannot reply unless you write again, complying with all these rules.

ETHEL writes:Where can I buy Irish linen cheaply? [Messrs. Inglis and Tinckler, 147, Regent Street, sell it at the same prices as sold in Ireland, where it is manufactured.] With what should I trim linen underclothing? [With embroidery, tatting, or crocheted edging, as you would calico or cambric garments.] What would you recommend for morning dresses, to wear while about one's housekeeping? [Linens, prints, Scotch ginghams, and blue tickings.] And what material for a travelling dress? [Serge, satin cloth, or some other woollen material, light but warm.]

MARY FLORENCE writes :-Can you tell me about how much per yard I ought to give for black grenadine. I do not wish for a common one; but, at the same time, I don't want it to be very expensive? [You can get a very good one for 2s. 6d. per yard; tolerable at Is. 11d.] Does the striped or the plain grenadine wear best? [The striped wears best. All grenadines are apt to tear, and the striped ones only tear lengthways, whereas the plain can tear at their own sweet will in any direction whatever.]

E. T. will be much obliged to Sylvia if she will tell her where she can get good paper patterns, and give her some idea of the prices? [Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, supplies excellent paper patterns. For prices, see price list on our pattern sheet.]

LYDIA has a brown Japanese silk of the pretty shade called Bismarck. She wishes to make it up in the present fashion, and would like Sylvia's advice as to what material would look well with it. She thought of cashmere, either the same shade or a shade darker. [Cashmere will look very well with it. It ought to be as nearly as possible the same shade.] How ought I to alter it? It is very much gored, and I wish, if possible, to retain the long skirt, as long skirts are so graceful in the house, and can always be looped up in the street. [You must, in that case, have tablier and sleeveless jacket of cashmere, but if you wish your dress to look nice, you must take the skirt off the band, and arrange all the fulness at the back; also tie back the three front breadths, which throws the back breadths out gracefully. The fronts and breadths of your bodice will make trimmings for your sleeves.]

Dear Sylvia, I am going to a garden party the first week in July, and shall feel so much obliged if you will give me your advice under the following circumstances. I do not wish to buy a new dress for the occasion, because my allowance is limited, and I have also a great many half-worn dresses. At the same time I have set my heart on wearing a pink bonnet,

trimmed with creamy white flowers and brown foliage. I have no dress that I can wear with this except white ones, of which I have the following several white muslins, all washed, and a white alpaca. The skirt of the latter is very prettily made, being self-trimmed with close pleatings, but the body is a wretched fit, and the only thing I have to wear on my shoulders is a rather old-fashioned cloak of the burnouse style. The cloak is quite clean, and the material very similar to the Algerian scarves so fashionable now. It is trimmed with white goat's hair fringe. With these materials can you suggest a tolerably pretty costume for the occasion? [I think you may manage with a little ingenuity to make yourself quite charming. As your bodice fits badly, you must conceal it, and to do so you must convert your burnouse into a fichu. The pattern given with this month's number will do very well to cut it out by. Trim all the outlines of the fichu with a tiny frill of the material laid over the goat's hair fringe. Wear a pink sash, to correspond with your bonnet. Get some pink ribbon about 4 inches wide to match the sash, and make yourself dainty little bows. Place these on the cuffs of your sleeves, and at the opening of the fichu. If there is any looping-up of the skirt, place bows there also. With pretty lace ruffles at your throat and wrists, and some white tulle round your neck, you will be very prettily dressed. A piece of black velvet about an inch and a half in width tied round your neck under the collar or ruffle, and falling at the back in long ends, would improve the effect of the whole. I hope these hints may be of use, and that you may enjoy your garden party.]

Can Sylvia tell ANTHEA the meaning of French hemming? [This mode of hemming causes the hem to look like a little roll of the material at the edge, and forms a nice finish. It is done as follows:-Fold the material back over the right side about an inch. Then run both together close to the edge. To form the hem, turn the narrow part over, and hem it down on the row of running, so that the stitches shall not be seen on the right side.]

JENNY WREN will be glad if Sylvia can tell her of a good material for children's dresses at the seaside. [There is nothing like brown holland for both small boys and small girls. It is cruel to put children into spoilable clothes, and then give them a spade for a weapon, and the bright sands for a play-ground. How can they help soiling their dresses? And then they know they will get scolded, and come home in naughty tempers. But give them tidy brown holland costumes, not tight anywhere, with plenty of pockets strongly sewed on, and some string in one of the pockets, and the little creatures will be as happy as children are meant to be most of their time. Madame Goubaud supplies paper patterns of children's costumes in any style. Her address is 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. For cool days, French merino, of a good quality, is an excellent material for children's dresses; also serge.]

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SYLVIA has much pleasure in informing her young readers, that since writing the article "Something to Do," page 390 of the present number, it has been announced that three of the students at Girton College for ladies have passed in papers of general examinations for degrees of Bachelor of Arts, with such merit as to qualify them for the first class. These ladies. are: Miss Eliza Baker, of Bristol; Miss Alice Barbara Betham, niece of Miss M. Betham-Edwards, novelist; and Miss Annie Selina Wallis, daughter of the Rev. J. Wallis, Brixton.

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AMARANTHA writes,-I wish to know whether you would accept short poems from me, and give a small remuneration for them-I would not expect much; but wish to gain a little pocket-money in this way, that is, if my verses are worthy of a place in your excellent magazine. [Our staff of contributors is at present complete.] Can any of your correspondents tell me where I can get a hymn with music, called, Rest of the Weary; I fancy it is published in the penny-sheet form, but cannot meet with it here. I would give three stamps for the penny edition, if anyone will kindly post it to Mrs. G. P., 3, Park View Terrace, Manningham, Bradford, Yorkshire. [There is a song called Rest for the Weary, by Wrighton, price 35., which means is. 6d. You can get it from W. Robinson, music-seller, 369, Strand.] I shall be very happy to copy out for your readers any songs (the words, I mean) or verses, which they may wish for, provided I know them. I have taken your magazine for some months now, and appreciate it very highly, always looking forward with pleasure to the next part. I am not sure of the right way to address you, but hope this will be correct.

OPAL has much pleasure in giving L. A. the information she requires about etching in pen and ink. Steel pens called crowquills are required, and ordinary ink may be used; but it is much better to rub some cake lampblack, using sufficient water to make it the consistency of ink, and apply it to the pen with a brush. Opal is also glad to send A. M. S. the words of the song she asked for. Will the Editor kindly say up to what date letters for "Our Drawing-Room" can be sent ? [Up to the 5th.] She trusts this will be in time for the next number.

KATYDID has much pleasure in informing Alpha that in the Graphic, a few weeks ago, there was an article on this subject, advising people who wished to dispose of their old magazines, periodicals, etc., to send them to the various charitable institutions, where they would be thankfully received by the inmates, to whom such gifts would be a boon, affording both instruction and amusement. Katydid would be exceedingly obliged if Sylvia or any of the correspondents, would tell her what summer ornament to put in the fireplace of a bedroom or parlour, which does not require the chimney to be stopped up. [Place a pot of large fern on a brick or two inside the grate, and one or two more in front of the grate on the ground.] Will Sylvia kindly give directions for working the satin overcast and knotted stitches, etc., patterns of which have so often appeared in the pages of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN. She thinks many of the correspondents, as well as herself, will be glad of a few hints. [I do not know to what stitches you refer.] What are "écru filoselle" and "tussore?" [Filoselle is a sort of silk used in embroidery. Ecru means the colour of raw or undyed silk. Tussore is raw or undyed silk.] She will be glad to know if Miss Clyde's advertisement, respecting the fern-roots, is genuine, having seen complaints from some of the subscribers that they have not received any package in return for their stamps. [Miss Clyde's advertisement is genuine. Many of our subscribers have acknowledged receiving ferns from her. Katydid has taken the magazine for some time, and likes it very much, and anticipates its arrival with great pleasure. She admires exceedingly the pattern of the towel horse, which appeared in the January number, and would be glad to have one, but does not see how she can get it, as it would be hardly

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ventured to trouble you with a question for the Drawing-Room; but I shall feel very glad if you will answer the following for me. Is it customary for the bride to provide all the house and table linen for her new home? I hope my letter will be in time for an answer to appear in the next number. I think the magazine has improved greatly during the last few months; but may I suggest something that would, I think, be acceptable to the subscribers, viz., that we should always have an illustration of the cut-out paper pattern, as well as of the traced one on the large sheet. [It is usual for the bridegroom to provide the house and table linen, but it is a matter quite open to different arrangement. Thanks for your suggestion. You will see by reference to the May number that it had been anticipated.]

GOVERNESS is glad to be able to tell Violetta that the new and greatly-enlarged edition of the excellent Manual of Parsing, by Davidson and Alcock, is published by T. J. Allman, 463, Ox. ford Street, London, and the price is Is. 6d.

CORISANDE will be very much obliged to the Editor of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN if he will tell her the meaning of "Tous-les-mois," a term frequently used in Mrs. Beeton's Englishwoman's Cookery Book. [It is a kind of arrowroot that is sold in tins.]

RACHEL wishes to know if a lady should in any way recognize a man-servant's salutetouching his hat-and if so, how? [It is a ges ture of respect, not a salutation, and need not be acknowledged, except under such circumstances when a lady's good breeding and good nature dictate.]

MAMMA, who has been some time a subscriber, would be glad if she could through your magazine (next month) meet with the pattern of a nightcap, pretty and fashionable, trimmed with lace. Mamma is about fortyfive. [Nightcaps are so seldom worn now that we fear a pattern of one would scarcely be generally appreciated. Madame Gouband, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, supplies nightcap patterns for 6d. ]

FERN would be much obliged by Sylvia informing her what style of dress is proper for calls when walking, and what when driving ; and if plain cuffs and collars or frills are best worn on these occasions by a young lady of twenty? And what style for receiving calls at home? Can Sylvia tell Fern the name of the shape mantle that will be most suitable for a young lady, dark, medium height, slight; and where she could obtain a paper pattern of it. [If you drive, you can make calls in more elaborate costume than you can if you walk-that is, you can wear a longer dress than would be convenient in walking. As to the style, it may be anything in ordinary walking attire. You cannot wear a cotton dress, nor, perhaps, is a linen or lawn dress quite good enough, but anything else from a beige to a silk is suitable. It was once incorrect to wear a hat in making calls, but that restriction no longer exists. Your collar and cuffs may be plain or frilled, as you may choose. For receiving calls at home, you should wear a well-made long dress, with pretty collar and cuffs. Madame Goubaud, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, supplies paper models of fichus, capes, dolmans, and jackets. Any of these would be suitable for you.]

MOCKING-BIRD would be much obliged if the Editor, or any kind friends, would explain the meaning and origin of the term, Printer's Devil, usually applied to compositors. It is not applied to compositors; only to the boy whose business it is to run about with proofs and copy. I do not know the origin of the

term.] Also a pretty style of coiffure for a young lady, aged sixteen, whose hair is long and thick, without pads. [The Catogan is still the most fashionable style. As you have only left me two lines to answer your question in, I conclude you do not require minute directions.] This is the first time she has visited the Drawing-Room; but she has greatly benefited by the answers to others. She wishes the Editor every success, and the magazine longevity and prosperity.

MISS HILL writes to know if the Editor will kindly answer these questions: If a lady is walking out, and she meets two gentlemen acquaintances walking together, should she move once or twice? Should the words, Pauline, Cyril, Horace, Gertrude, and duty, be pronounced Paul-ine, Cer-il. Hor-ace, Jertrude, Ju-ty? [Bow once, but look at both gentlemen, so as to include both in your salutation. You have given the correct pronunciation of Pauline and Horace; but the first syllable in Cyril is pronounced as the first syllable in syrup; the G in Gertrude is hard; and duty is pronounced dew-ty.]

LILIAN would feel much obliged if Sylvia would tell her the best way to wash ball fringe, such as is used on dimity hangings, as she has seen some completely spoiled after being washed, and it is rather too expensive to replenish it each time it gets soiled. [Lightly fasten the fringe round a piece of wood. Prepare some very soapy water, very hot. Dip and shake the fringe till clean. When it begins to dry, unroll it from the wood, and shake at intervals.] Will she also tell her where she could obtain an alabaster vase or jug for a drawing-room mantelpiece, and also what the prettiest kinds of artificial flowers would be to fill it? [We will inquire about the jug.] Also, what would a good oleograph picture cost, a landscape or female picture; size, about two feet in length; Lilian and are oval gilt frames expensive? trusts she is not very troublesome; she thinks Sylvia must be possessed of a great amount of patience, to answer so many and such varied queries every month. Lilian would likewise be very grateful if any correspondent could tell her the cost of materials for decalcomaine, and where they are to be obtained.

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MABEL would be very much obliged if Sylna would tell her what dress is most suitable for confirmation. She thinks white cashmere too heavy, and would prefer llama, if Sylvia thinks it would look nice. Could it be worn afterwards trimmed with black velvet for out of doors. Would Sylvia also tell her whether visiting-cards should have Miss" put before the name; she has been told it is eccentric. Mabel would be very much obliged if Sylvia could send her an answer by post; has enclosed stamp and address. [Llama would look very nice indeed, and could be worn afterwards, trimmed as you say. Yes. We cannot answer by post.]

NELLIE writes,-Sir, I am extremely obliged to you and Sylvia for kindly answering my questions. Apropos of the article in the Examiner," alluded to last month, Nellie says, If any of our readers have got the bump of combativeness, I hope they will use it in defending this useful, instructive, and entertaining journal, and compel our critics to say the Editor and his co-workers have done what they could to instruct and elevate us. I am sure they have my hearty thanks with many others. I have had several dresses that would have been thrown away but for our Workroom. Do you publish Vere Foster's copybooks? [No; any stationer will get them for you.] What is their price? [I do not know exactly; but fancy they are not more expensive than ordinary copy-books, viz., from 3d. to 6d. each.] Do you publish an easy grammar? [Get that used in the National Schools.] Do you think it possible for me to learn French from books by myself? [It is quite impossible to learn the pronunciation from books; and to know a language without being able to pro

nounce it, is like having a dress you can never wear.] And now, Mr. Editor, I think it is time I began to draw my remarks to a close, for I expect to see in next month's number a charge not to send any more letters; but you must excuse me this time, as I am young and deplorably ignorant; and I hope you will insert this next month, if I have not forfeited that indulgence through neglect of rules. [Please write on only one side of your paper next time. That is partly the reason I cannot insert the whole of your letter now.] What things are suitable for scrap-books, and will you kindly insert some verses for the same? [What sort of scrap-books and verses do you mean?]

PAULINE wishes to ask if you can answer a rather important question to her. I wish to have a tall, slight figure. I am rather tall, but not very slight. Whose corsets do you think will be the most suitable to wear? [I cannot recommend you to alter your figure. Izod's patent corsets will no doubt help you to make the best of yours without using forcible means.]

ERIN would be much obliged if Stephanotis would kindly say how long the ointment for rendering the skin white is to be left on; also, whether white curd soap will do instead of white soft-soap, as Erin, living near a small country town, will find it very difficult to get the white soft-soap. Erin would also like to know whether sleeveless jackets of a different material to the dress will be worn this summer; if fashionable, would the Editor give full-sized pattern for cutting out in the next magazine? [We will soon give a pattern. They will be worn in velvet, velveteen, cashmere, and French-merino; also of the material with which the dress is trimmed. For instance, with a stone-coloured beige trimmed with brown silk, a brown-silk sleeveless jacket will be worn.]

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A YOUNG WELSHWOMAN would feel very grateful if the kind Editor would answer the following questions in the next number of the magazine: Should sweet-sauce be served with bread-pudding and roly-poly, or could they be served without sauce? [They could be served without, but would not be nice] Should one begin cutting tarts and baked puddings quite in the middle, or at one end? [Tarts in the middle; baked puddings wherever you like.] Should cakes be cut down through the middle, the same as boiled puddings? [Yes.] Would the Editor or some kind correspondent give a recipe for making mushroom ketchup, with the proper quantity of spices to be used? She would like it to keep good for years. Also, for making gravy from the dripping that comes from the meat while roasting.

VERA presents her compliments to the Editor, and would feel greatly obliged if he would kindly answer the following questions: How should potted meats, such as ham, beef, and lobster, be eaten? Should it be spread on bread and butter, or how? [Spread on bread, or on bread and butter.] And should vinegar or something be taken with them? [Not vinegar; sometimes a little salt is necessary.] Should lamp-glasses be washed every day? [No; but they ought to be cleaned every day with a soft cloth and a chimney-brush.] How should one make a paper frill for a ham and a leg of lamb? [Cut the paper into strips two inches wide. Čut these strips into long narrow teeth up to nearly the top, and then curl the teeth with a paper-knife.] And should it be made of tissue-paper. [Thin white notepaper is the best. Would the kind Editor tell Vera what kind of vegetables would be suitable to serve with any kind of meat? She has Mrs. Beeton's Cookery Book, but it does not say

anything about that. [These vary with the season. In winter, with roast meat, serve whole or mashed turnips, haricot beans, of cabbage. In summer, with the same dish peas, cauliflower, French beans, seakale, vegetable-marrow, or any summer vegetable. With boiled mutton, serve turnips and carrots in winter, cauliflower or cabbage in summer. The same for boiled beef, with the addition of parsnips and haricot beans. With lamb, very few vegetables are good, only young peas or a very good cauliflower. With made dishes no vegetables are served; boiled rice is very good with most made dishes. It is a pity it is not more generally used. Few people know how good it is with roast beef. It ought to be a much more important article of diet than it is. With cold meats, serve any kind of salad in summer; and in winter, beetroot, celery, horseradish, etc.]

A. W. W. writes, In reply to Emmie C.'s question respecting training school for young girl's as domestic servants, there is a very good Industrial School at Richmond, Surrey, where girls are taught cooking and laundry work. Information may be obtained of the Matron.

A TRADESMAN'S WIFE writes, Will you help me out of the following difficulty. I am only a tradesman's wife, but I am of a good family. My great-grandfather on one side had his coat of arms, kept black servants, and every other symbol of gentle birth. On the other side, my great-grandfather was a man of wealth and position in the county where the family had been for many generations. Both became reduced in circumstances, and my two grandfathers were very poor men, but men of good education and the strictest integrity. The next generation-my father and uncles, etc. (with one or two exceptions)-have risen by economy and industry to a position of wealth and independence, but not so high in the social scale as the family originally were. I am now living in a neighbourhood where I am surrounded by a set of shabby-genteel people who would be very patronizing and gracious when they come to the shop, but if they meet me in the street they do not know me; and one person having occasion once to come into my parlour, actually expressed surprise at seeing a certain book there, He should not have expected to meet with such a book in such a place!" as if some tradesmen could not appreciate a book as well as he. Perhaps he meant it as a compliment; I took it as an insult. My husband says it don't fret him; treat them with civility when obliged to speak, but in other respects with silent contempt. I feel he is right; still, I cannot help feeling irritated and annoyed when I know that as far as birth, education, and principle go, I am their superior. I shall feel exceedingly obliged if you will give me your opinion of the best thing to be done under the circumstances. And also if you will tell me the real value of my family's former high position as regards me now, or is it of any value at all? in the eyes of society, I mean. My own private feelings in the matter are to receive any one on what they are individually. If I meet with a pure, high-minded, upright person, that could not stoop to anything dishonourable, that is the real gentleman or lady in my estimation, even though it be a sweep or a washerwoman. I hope you will show me the same kindness that I see you are in the habit of showing to your numerous correspondents. [Your family's former high position has no value whatever as regards your present social status. A wife takes rank with her husband; and as your husband is a tradesman, you are simply what you sign yourself, “a tradesman's wife." At the same time, I can readily understand that your consciousness of your family having once held a higher position may make many things disagreeable to you that would not otherwise have been so. But for all practical purposes, you ought to try to forget your family's better days. It will do you no good to assert yourself in this way. The world takes

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