RULES.-I. All letters for insertion in the following month's issue must be forwarded before the 8th of each month to SYLVIA, CARE OF EDITOR, Messrs. Ward, Lock, & Tyler, Warwick House, Paternoster Row, E. C.

2. Letters must be written on one side only of the paper.

3. Name and address must be sent in full, though neither will be published where a nomde-plume is used.

4. Letters for the Drawing-room must be written on separate paper from those intended for the Work-room or the Exchange Column. 5. No charge is made for replies to questions. Our Drawing-room is open to all.

AUNT POLLY writes, -Can any of your numerous readers tell me where the following words occur in the Bible, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." [These words are not in the Bible.] My sister and I have been subscribers for the last four years, and it is the first time that we have taken the liberty of asking a question; and we think that yours is a very nice journal, and we always recommend it to our friends when they say they cannot get anything nice to read.

AN IRISH SUBSCRIBER writes, I would be so grateful if you could tell me what editions of classical books-I mean translations of old Latin authors, etc.-that a woman may read herself or for her boys? [Bohn's.] Are those nose machines advertised by A. Ross of any use? I do not know anyone who has used one. Send a couple of stamps to Mr. Ross, 248, High Holborn, and he will send the pamphlet. Your letter is written with such pale ink that I cannot decipher the remainder.]

NELLIE writes,-I hope you will forgive me troubling you again, but I have to thank those kind correspondents for sending me the words of "Onward, Christian Soldiers," for which I am very much obliged; and I hope you will accept my heartiest thanks for kindly inserting the same; and I shall have to ask your kind forbearance for the following queries. I have learned music, but sometimes when I am playing I have to stop to ascertain what the notes are. [Practice will soon enable you to remember the notes. Practise diligently and carefully.] Would you kindly give me the pronunciation and meaning of the following words, viz. a la Chinoise; infra dig.; c'est une autre chose; aux fines herbes; bretzel ; sauer kraut; fleur-de-lis. [It is difficult to convey the pronunciation of French words by our English sounds, but I will do my best. A la Chinoise-ah la sheen-was, means, in the Chinese style. Infra dig. is pronounced as it is spelled, and is an abbreviation of the Latin Infra Dignitatum, meaning, "beneath one's dignity." C'est une autre chose-Sate oon ohtre shose, means, "That is a different thing." Aux fines herbes-o feens airb, is an expression in cookery, meaning, "made of dressing fish by stewing them with various dried herbs. Bretzel, pronounced as spelled, is German for cracknel. Sauer kraut, pronounced sour krout, is a German preparation of pickled cabbage. The fleur-de-lis-flur-delee, is the emblem of the Bourbon dynasty.] What are bouillonnes? [Bouillonnes are puffs.] Could you give me a recipe for whitening the hands? [Wash them with oatmeal soap in warm water. Always dry them thoroughly after washing, and wear gloves as much as possible. Also keep your wrists covered.] I saw one of your correspondents asked about

church decorations; if you could give us any hints as to garlands, etc., I am sure they would be valued by many of your correspondents. [In the December number we hope to give some suggestions as to tasteful decoration.] I cannot procure the copy-books that you mentioned at any of the stationers near where I am living, so I do not know where to procure them. [Send one shillingsworth of stamps to Madame Adele Letellier, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, and she will send you some. I think they are threepence each.] I noticed with regret the remarks of an Old Subscriber last month; but I hope you don't feel disposed to suppress the questions. think the "Work-room and Drawingrooin very useful. I generally turn to them first. For instance, if one asks about a black silk dress, the answer to that query may serve many more. I have found much benefit from answers to querists similarly situated to myself. Those who appreciate Sylvia's letters are far more numerous than those who do not, I am

sure.

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The magazine gets dearer every month; the articles on Novelties, etc., make it more attractive every time. I am sure I have scarcely patience to wait for the time for them to appear; the tales are so nice, but there is one drawback, and that is, you have to wait so long after reading one before you get the other. I have recommended it to all my friends, and they say it is the best and cheapest journal in existence. [I agree with you that publishing the question.makes the answer more interesting and useful, and am glad you find the "Workroom of practical benefit.]

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INO is extremely obliged to J. B. H. for the words of song, Happy be Thy Dreams.

PINE-ALOE presents her compliments to the Editor, and sends a recipe asked for by one of your correspondents some time ago, for removing spots and grease from marble. Make a paste with fullers' earth and hot water; cover the spots with it and let it dry on; and the next day scour it off with soft or yellow soap. Also, someone asked if there was any kind of cord for hanging pictures besides blindcord. Pine-Aloe has seen a kind of gilt wire for the purpose.

AIGUILLE writes,-In the October number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, C. C. W. asks for something interesting on history or other instructive subjects. Will she allow me to recommend Buckle's "History of Civilization in England." If C. C. W. has any interest at all in history, and will read the book with a good dictionary and a great deal of patience, she will find it both interesting and instructive. It is published in three volumes, by Longmans, Green, and Co.

MURIEL writes,-Although I am not a very Old Subscriber, I must write a few lines to say how entirely I disagree with the letter written to you by one who so called herself in last month's number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN. To me, your letters are one of the especial attractions of the magazine; and the unfailing patience, courtesy, and kindness with which you reply to even the most tiresome questioner, set an example which many of us would do well to follow in our every-day life. [Sylvia thanks Muriel very warmly for her kind and encouraging words.]

EUGENIE having been a subscriber to THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for many years, feels sure that Sylvia will kindly answer the following questions. Where can Eugenie dispose of plain needlework made in the village school. Also ladies' fancy-work, to be sold for church purposes. [Perhaps some of our readers may

be able to help Eugenie.] Also, if she can tell her of anything that would destroy moths and insects almost instantaneously. Eugenie is collecting, and does not like the idea of pinning them. [The fumes of sulphur are supposed to kill insects instantaneously; but I do not know if this mode injures the specimens in any way.]

EDNA writes,-1. Where could Veloutine and Golden Ointment be procured? And what is the cost of each? [Veloutine can be had of M. Jozeau, Haymarket. I do not know the price. Golden Ointment may be obtained through any good chemist; small bottle, 2s. 6d.] Where could she get a good set of pearlsimitation, of course? [Packer's, Regent Street.] 2. Might onyx ornaments be worn for evening? [Yes, but not in full dress.] 3. Would it be considered good taste for Edna to wear a white straw bonnet during the winter, trimmed with dark violet velvet, with a merino and velvet costume of the same colour. [Yes.]

[All correspondents who write for the words of songs or verses must enclose a stamped, directed envelope, as we cannot occupy our space with them in future.]

NINA writes,-Can some of your correspondents give me directions how to mount skeletonized leaves? I have the leaves ready, and should much prefer mounting them myself than sending them away to be done; and with your kind help I shall, no doubt, succeed.

LILLA will be grateful if Sylvia will kindly answer the following questions in the November number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN:What is the price, by post, of Rimmel's curling fluid? And is it quite harmless? Should one have a white cloth over a chest of drawers in a bedroom? [It looks tidier.] And if so, of what material should it be? [Similar to that on the toilet-table.] Is a green French merino dress (pattern enclosed) suitable for walking, or would it be too gaudy and vulgar? [Questions for the Work-room must be written on a separate sheet of paper.] What is the meaning of the words, sardiniere, eggery, and epergne? [A sardiniere is a small dish in which sardines may be sent to table, instead of in the tin, which looks so ugly. I never heard of an eggery. An epergne is an ornament for the dinner or supper table.] And what are serviette rings? [Rings for putting round dinner-napkins when rolled up after use. -The rings are numbered, so that each person knows his own napkin.] Is there any difference between a breakfast and a dinner cruet-stand? [Sometimes a larger cruet-stand is used for the dinner-table, but the larger ones are now unfashionable. It is preferred to have them smaller and more numerous.] What is the use of salvers? [Servants hand cards and letters on them.] Also of breakfast stands? [Do you mean the revolving stands for the breakfast table? They are useful, because they enable each person to reach what they want by merely twisting round the stand.] Of what does a toilet set consist? [Bottles for perfume, a box for powder, and smaller bottles, all in china or glass.] What are toilet bottles for? [For holding scent.] And what is papier mache? [It is rather difficult to describe, though one sees it every day. Webster says, "A substance made of a pulp from rags, and cast in a mould, used for ornamental work." See "Work-room" for answers to your other questions; and having answered them all, may I ask you one? Why do you send me three or four different letters, all containing several questions, but with a different signature to each? I asked you in a former Number always to use the same nom de plume; but this month I have received three

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letters from you, each with a different name. am sure you will not knowingly give me more trouble than is necessary; and when I tell you that I have to alter the names, and refer back to the one you first adopted, I think you will kindly call yourself Lilla for the future, especially as you can have no object in using a dozen different names. We do not limit the

number of questions to be asked, as you must have perceived, for you are one of my most constant correspondents, and I conclude therefore that you are a constant reader.-SYLVIA.]

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BLACK EYES asks, -Will you please tell me if Madame Adelina Patti has any children, and if they have fine voices like their mother. [I do not know if the Marquise de Caux has any children.] Please how should the word Tarantelle be pronounced? [Tarangtel is the nearest approach to the pronunciation in English, but the an is sounded very softly in French.] Can you or any of your subscribers tell me of a pretty and rather difficult pianoforte arrangement of "When other lips and other hearts;" or I believe the real name is, "Then you'll remember me.' I should be very much pleased if some one would kindly send me through the "Drawing-room" the words of the above song. [Kindly send your name and address, with stamped envelope, for the words to be forwarded, as our space is too valuable to be occupied with words of songs.] I see some lady has advised you only to print the answers of the letters sent you. I myself should be very sorry, as some of them have been very useful to me. hope the Editor will pardon the long letter, and answer my questions in the next journal.

KATE will be much obliged if Sylvia will inform her in next month's YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN what should be done if you must not give your card to a servant who opens the door to you on making a call, as, in the answer to a correspondent in the September number, Sylvia distinctly says, Certainly not. your name distinctly to the servant, and follow him or her to the door of the drawing-room, which he or she opens, and says your name to her mistress.]

[Say

EUNICE would be very glad if some one would kindly tell her the proper way to set dessert upon a table, if the glasses should be placed on or by the plates, if mats are proper on the plates, and leaves round the dishes. Eunice thinks THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN the most useful and sensible magazine ever written, and fully appreciates it. May I suggest that an illustration of a letter should be given in it, to give an idea how to conform to rules, as so many cause Sylvia so much trouble, the writer included? [On each plate is placed a d'oyley and a finger-glass, half full of water; also a silver knife and fork. By the right side of each plate the wine-glasses are placed, their number and variety regulated by the wines you intend to give your guests. Leaves look pretty round the dishes. If you cannot get real leaves, there are very pretty artificial ones sold for the purpose. The rules for letters are not difficult to follow. You have observed them carefully. Many thanks for doing so.]

EILEEN presents her compliments to Sylvia, and requests her opinion of the enclosed pattern of wall-paper; it is intended for a large, lofty bedroom, with two windows facing the north, and a large black marble chimney-piece. [It is a very pretty paper for a large room.] What sort and colour carpet, window, and bedhangings, etc., would suit with it. [They must be of a warm colour, as the grey in the paper is very cold and pure. A crimson felt carpet, and striped grey and crimson chintz for bedhangings and windows.] Are crochet or knitted quilts nice for a respectable bedroom? And as there are two beds in the room, ought their hangings to be alike or different? It is my own and sister's room, and we wish to have it very pretty. [Nothing is nicer than crochet or knitted quilts. You might line one with crimson, to match the bed-hangings. The hangings of

RULES.

COUSIN MAGGIE wishes to obtain Misunderstood (Florence Montgomery); Woman's Friendship (Grace Aguilar). She will give in return four pieces of music or songs for each book. Cousin Maggie has a large number of books in the Lily Series, which she would exchange for music. Send for list to M. A. P., Post Office, Low Bentham, near Lancaster.

X. Z. Z. has "The Young Ladies' Journal," bound, 1864; would like to exchange for Argosy," 1874. "Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine," Vols. V., VI., VII., VIII., bound; also " Family Herald," from Vols. I. to XII., except Vol. V. Would like offers for exchange (good class of works). 10, Portland Place, Circus Road. St. John's Wood.

A. Z. R. has a most amusing game of Fortune-telling, for winter evenings, sent free for 12 stamps; and an excellent recipe for the complexion, easy of preparation and most efficacious, 16 stamps.-Address, Post Office, Witney, Oxon.

Mrs. J. A. Howell, 6, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, will give full price for the April, May, June, July, August, and September numbers of the "Quiver" for 1870.

Advertisements of Lady's Work, Pet Animals,

etc., for this part of the Paper, are charged or at the rate of One Shilling for Twelve Words.

Correct delineation of Handwriting, Names poetically delineated, Photos physiognomised. Each 13 stamps. To N. N., address with Editor.

Ladies' Gaiters. New style for coming season. Serviceable, comfortable, charming. 20 stamps, N. N., address with Editor. A Lady is anxious to obtain remunerative employment as Wood-engraver. object to work from home. Any subject underWould not taken. Would be willing to give a small commission to anyone obtaining employment for her. Address with Editor.

MISS A. supplies Christmas Cards, handpainted, with mottoes. Small size, 2s. 6d.; large, 3s. 6d. Address with Editor.

PAULINE wants THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for March and November, 1874. Will give full price, and pay postage.-Address, Pauline, Greenmount, Omagh, Ireland.

MISS CLYDE, North Devon Lodge, Bideford, Devon, sends 20 roots of Devonshire ferns 6 varieties, for 12 stamps, postage 2d. She sends a box containing 100 roots, 9 varieties, for 5s. No charge for package.

COMMISSIONS FROM ABROAD.

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To judge from the letters that appear from time to time in the columns of the "Workroom and "Drawing-room from ladies residing abroad, they appear to experience great difficulty in obtaining articles of dress of recent fashion and good style; and it seems almost impossible for dwellers in India, America, and Australia, to procure the many luxuries of the wardrobe, the dressing-room, and the cuisine which, to those who live at home, have almost become necessaries. The convenience, therefore, seems to be considerable that would accrue to our subscribers abroad, and even at home in places remote from fashion and shops, from being placed in a position to correspond with someone in London capable of executing commissions for ladies.

It is in the belief that she may be useful in this way that

MADAME ADELE LETELLIER,

30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden,
London, W.C.,

has made arrangements which enable her to execute any orders of the foregoing kind.

In transmitting such commissions, ladies are requested to be very precise in giving details, descriptions, etc., of the articles they order, as it would be impossible to change them after having been sent abroad.

[Advertisement.]

INFANT MORTALITY.-We are not in the habit of writing in commendation of Patent Medicines generally, but as a safe remedy for difficult teething, convulsions, flatulency, and affections of the bowels is frequently required, we earnestly call the attention of mothers to ATKINSON AND BARKER'S ROYAL INFANTS' PRESERVATIVE. Unlike those pernicious stupefactives which tend to weaken and prevent the growth of children, this gradually improves the health and strengthens Preservative the constitution, and from its simplicity, in no case can it do harm, indeed it may be given with safety immediately after birth. For nearly a century this real PRESERVATIVE of Infants' Life has been recognized throughout the world as the best Medicine for all disorders of Infants, and is sold by Chemists everywhere, in Is. 1d. Bottles of the SAME QUALITY AS SUPPLIED TO QUEEN VICTORIA FOR THE ROYAL CHILDREN.

N bringing to a close the essays under this heading,

in which we have endeavoured to sketch some of the prominent characteristics of young ladies, and offer in a respectful and most sincere spirit a few hints, which may not have been found unworthy their consideration, it seems natural and fitting that we should take into consideration the time of the year when the lines we write will come before our readers. It is not too much to say that, attractive as a young lady always is, she shows preeminently at the holiday time which bids farewell to one year and ushers in another. Summer fetes and out-ofdoor amusements are well adapted for graceful, pleasant, cheerful, young ladies to show to advantage, but winter seems to be the season when the domestic character is most developed, while, at the same time, the social gatherings appropriate to the time give opportunity for the exhibition of accomplishments, and those graces of manner which are so peculiarly charming.

It is unfortunate that Christmas, which has so many associations to induce serious thought, should be made a peg on which to hang so much nonsense as is commonly written about it. Where there is so very much gush, we fear there is but little sincerity. We should wear the white robes of charity, peace, and good-will all the year round, and not be left to look for them in our spiritual wardrobes when the Christmas bells are ringing. We

should make music in our hearts at all times, and not try only to attune our voices to the modulations of a Christmas carol. One of the greatest moral charms of a woman-as, indeed, of all responsible beings-is sin-cerity; affectation of geniality which is not natural, of charity which is not felt, is unworthy insincerity. There is a great tendency at this time of the year to "talk Christmas," to "act Christmas," and be therewith satisfied, as if the annual celebration was a kind of charade in which all members of the family were cast for characters -the father to appear, for this occasion only, as the jolly host, all hilarity and good fellowship; the mother as the liberal housewife, with abundant stores of dainties, the very genius of good dinners and desserts; and the daughters white-robed ingenuées, all innocent chatter, high spirits, and flirtation.

Very pretty all this, and not unfrequently very well acted-but still acted; and young ladies, to whom especially we address these remarks, may well consider that, if these qualities are so attractive at Christmas parties, most likely they would be attractive all the year round. Not, of course, that dancing and playing are to be their invariable occupations, but that the artlessness and cheerfulness should be the accompaniments of daily life, not put on at the end of the year with book-muslin and blue ribbons.

A favourite occupation for young ladies at Christmas