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 making 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.

LOUISE would feel much obliged if some one would inform her where the dyed willow for plaiting can be obtained.

HOPE I. writes-- Dear Sylvia, I shall not make a long preamble as apology for troubling you, as I am sure you would not wish it, but at once enter on my subject. I have a dress, diagonal, pattern enclosed; it is made with two cross folds on skirt, 6 and 4 inches in depth; apron 26 inches deep in front, cut in five pieces, and running off very narrow at the back, where it has sash ends 36 inches long, mitre-shaped at end. Apron and sash has crossfold, two and a half inches, laid on with piping of brown satin; the sash ends form loops, which the back of the jacket entirely covers, it is so long; the jacket body has pointed ends in front, cut up at side, and trimmed with pleating of satin three quarters in depth on cross at the edge; the body has crosspiece piped on one edge, with pleating of the narrow satin on the other round armhole, and down to the bottom of front pleat. I have tried to match it, but cannot; the dress cost me five pounds, and I have seldom worn it, it is so dowdy and uncomfortable. Can you suggest any way that I could have it altered? It was bought and made at a first-rate shop, and that makes it more annoying. I have been advised to take the narrowest fold off skirt, and put it on the apron; but I think that would spoil the one and be no improvement on the other. But I await your opinion, thinking your versatile talent will be able to help me out of my dilemma. [I scarcely understand what the fault of the dress is, unless there is too much of it; but that can hardly be the case, as you have been trying to match it. It would also have helped me greatly if you had given me a description of your figure, height, etc., and if you had told me whether the dress is walking length or trained. Perhaps the long basque of the jacket does not suit you, but jackets are to be worn long this winter. However, there will be many worn with short basques, and you could cut yours short, and trim all round with pleating of satin. The material is too rich and heavy to require very much trim

ming. I shall be glad to help you more efficiently, if you will let me know precisely the faults of your dress. When you write, please use only one side of the paper.]

DECIMA would feel obliged if Sylvia would kindly advise her what to do with a very showy Irish poplin dress, large Stuart plaid. It is quite good, but old.fashioned, being made with plain gored skirt, slightly trained, bodice and sleeves trimmed with black velvet and fringe. Decima is tall, dark, and slight, with very quiet taste, and that is why she has seldom worn this showy dress. The enclosed pattern scarcely conveys any idea, but is the only piece Decima has. Kindly say if D. has conformed to the rules. [The pattern is so large and the colours so various, that I fear the poplin will only look well as supplementary to a dress of black velvet or velveteen. Even then it would have to be used sparingly, but plaids are so much worn now that you had better use it while it will look fashionable. It would make charming dresses for a little boy.]

E. F. S. writes-Would Sylvia kindly advise me what colour to dye a grey silk rep dress, not navy blue, as I have a winter dress of that colour. I am fair, with bright complexion, and about five feet in height. [It will dye green, marcon, claret, purple, or prune colour. The latter would be my choice.] Also, how should I make it up. The skirt has no trimming on it. The polonaise is open and quite short in front, and comes in two long points at the back; it is trimmed with a crossfold; the body and sleeves are also trimmed with crossfolds, and I have two yards of the stuff besides. Please answer in the December number if possible. [I should trim the front breadths with crossfolds, and leave the back plain, except for bows and ends made from the long points of the polonaise.]

Mrs. H. writes-Will Sylvia kindly tell me how I can alter a dress (pattern enclosed) which I had three years ago, but is as good as new, as I have been in mourning. It has a short skirt, with two bias tucks three and a half inches deep; a rather short polonaise without basques, open in front, with revers that do not sit nicely towards the waist, and coat sleeves rather tight and short. I have brown hair and eyes, pale complexion. [If the polonaise is long and full at the back, you could turn it to the front to form a tablier; but if there is not enough for this, you had better get some velveteen of the same shade as your dress, and have a tablier and sleeveless jacket of it to wear over your skirt and bodice. Add on false cuffs of velveteen to your short sleeves. They are now worn very tight.]

HOPE II. has several questions to ask Sylvia. As this is only the third time she has asked help, and being a very old subscriber, she hopes Sylvia will not think her too troublesome. 1st, Hope has now been in mourning for her mother nearly twelve months; she and her sister think of lightening their mourning after Christmas; shall they put crape away entirely? and in that case, what would Sylvia advise their trimming their best dresses with? The dresses are French cashmere, very fine demi-trained skirts, trimmed now with three deep folds of crape at back; two in front, pointed to suit the tablier, which is pretty long, and has a fold of crape; and there are cashmere revers at sides trimmed with crape, a long sash and loops also trimmed, cashmere sleeves, deep crape cuffs, and crape sleeveless

jacket. Hope does not wish to spend much money on trimmings, but the dress is quite good, and she would like it to look nice. [Hope and her sister can leave off wearing crape now; they can put pleatings of silk or folds of silk everywhere that the crape is now. The silk need not be quite new nor very thick; one of your halfworn skirts will do. If this be too expensive, put folds of the cashmere round the skirt, and trim the revers, bodice, and sleeves with fringe. Cloth jackets] 2nd. She intends buying a good black silk after Christmas; wishes to have a handsome dress for a room. How shall she have it made? what trimming? Hope has several yards (eight) of good real black Maltese lace, about half-finger wide. Could she wear lace, or is it too soon? And would Sylvia say how many yards of silk ought to be sufficient? Hope is about 5 feet 2 inches in height, over thirty years of age, and a medium figure, neither thin nor stout. [See last paragraph of Rules for Workroom. Hope can wear lace if she completely leaves off crape. A dress takes from 16 to 30 yards of silk, according to trimming.] 3rd. Hope has two black glacé silk skirts lying by, one is perfectly good, seven breadths each, nine fingers long; the other skirt has been a good deal worn, is rather shabby, is a trained skirt of the shape worn six years ago, with a flounce three fingers deep round the skirt, trimmed with black ribbon velvet. She has also about three or three and a half yards of black cashmere, quite good; it is in a large circular cloak. She knows glacé silk is old-fashioned, but would like to use the things. Will Sylvia tell her how she could make a dress of all three mixed, or the good silk and cashmere, for every day wear when the days begin to lengthen? [If the cashmere is wide width, you can make a polonaise to wear over the good silk skirt. If you do not trim your cashmere dress with the worn one, keep it as it is for evening wear under black grenadine or tarlatane.] 4th. Hope and her sister are thinking of getting black chip bonnets when putting away their crape ones. Would Sylvia advise them, as being the best value? They want whatever they get to do them all through the spring and summer, as living in a small country town bonnets are seldom worn, except to church. What trimmings would be best to look well, without being too expensive? [Chip will certainly be the best in that case, for, though felt wears even better, it would be unsuitable for summer weather. Black silk.] 5th. Can Sylvia say are black gloves to be had in the kind known as Swedes? and where can they be got? Hope has heard of them in colours as being excellent for common wear. Can Sylvia recommend the Copenhagen Glove in black? Now Hope has finished her long list of questions, and hopes to be forgiven if Sylvia finds her very troublesome. She and her sister like the magazine much, and think it far beyond any other young lady's magazine, and quite a marvel for the price. [Swedish gloves are to be had of Gask and Gask, Oxford Street, with two buttons, at 2s. 6d. per pair. The coloured ones wear very well. I have never tried black.]

JANE will feel greatly obliged to Sylvia if she will kindly give her a little information respect ing a dress (pattern enclosed) for her little girl of eleven years. It is a a very good skirt, with three pinked frills, but made with a polonaise; and I would like a jacket body, with apron. Would

Sylvia suggest something to go with it to make it a pretty dress, and how it could be arranged. [Blue cashmere, velveteen, or satin cloth of a darker shade would look very well as a tablier and jacket bodice.]

LINDA will feel greatly obliged if Sylvia will direct her how to alter a black French cashmere dress, it is walking length; or could it be altered to the present fashion? The front breadths have five puffs of cashmere, each headed with narrow beaded gimp, the last one headed with a quilling of the cashmere, the back breadths have two pleated flounces at the end of the skirt, 6 inches and 5 inches in depth, and going all round the bottom of the dress is a narrow box-pleated frill. The upper skirt is tunic make, very short in front, long and puffed up behind; the body is jacket make. The height of Linda is 5 feet 6 inches. Also, how to alter a blue serge dress. It is very much soiled in front, and she thought a square tablier would hide that. It is walking length, with a gathered flounce 11 inches deep on the skirt, the front breadth being trimmed with bias bands V-shaped, and bows down the middle and sides. It has an open polonaise, short in front, trimmed with kilted flounce and braid. Linda would also wish to know how the "Hyde Park Wrap," given in this month's number, is put together; she cannot understand how the hood is fixed. Is only half the pattern given? [The skirt may be made a little longer by joining on some black material to the top of the back breadths. The trimming on the skirt will not require alteration. Turn the back of the tunic to the front. For the serge dress, make a square tablier of your polonaise. Only the half of the Hyde Park Wrap is given on the diagram sheet. It consists of a plain straight piece of material about three quarters of a yard wide, and trimmed round all the edges. Sew the trimming on the right side all down the inner side, for it is to be turned back about 4 inches, as explained in our instructions. A slight join is made up the middle of the back to form a hood. A shawl may be made into a fashionable garment by cutting it down the centre, and making it up in this shape. It is not a bad plan to make the join for the hood at about a third the length of the garment, so as to have one end longer than the other. The short end then hangs a little below the waist, while the long end folds over on the chest, and falls over the left shoulder, thus forming a double protection for the chest, and being more graceful in wear than two ends of equal length.]

DORA presents her compliments to Sylvia, and would be very grateful for some advice on the following subjects. Supposing she can afford a new dress this winter, besides an evening dress she wants, what colour and material would Sylvia recommend that would show to advantage under a plain sealskin jacket? I do not wear out many clothes; wearing principally black on week days, and having a good serge (blue), and a grey woollen dress; I should not want one that would be worn out in one season. I like velveteen, either black or coloured, but would black show well under dark seal? I should mention I am of medium height; have a round, plain face; blonde complexion, with light eyes (called blue), and golden-brown hair (wavy). Do you not think for any one wearing a dress of this kind so seldom, they are better made in a plain long skirt so as to last for future years? What kind of fur would you recommend my having a muff of to use with a seal jacket? Would you recommend me having my jacket made into a tight-fitting? A friend wants me to; I am only twenty years of age. I know I look better in tight-fitting, but my jacket was only new last year, and the back is a beautiful piece of fur. I

bought it large to last me for years. I have very little money to spend, and all I buy I like good, and so have to manage with few articles. It is the opinion of a valued friend, also of my mother and others, that I look forty years of age in it, in the back. I rather grudge to have it cut; what do you think it would cost? [It seems to me that it would be a great pity to have it cut. You might have it slightly shaped to the figure by a good tailor or dressmaker. Black velveteen looks well under sealskin. In fact, any colour looks well with it. Strictly speaking, your muff ought to be seal, but that is expensive. You might wear chinchilla or opossum.] May I ask two questions more? I want a dress that would do for a ball, or to a friend's house at an evening's entertainment, or an occasional dance, what would you recommend? My mother likes me in a blue (rather pale), or deep claret. Some friend says black grenadine so soon wears out; and I do not think white muslin would do for such constant wear; but I can get a rather pale blue in this poplin at 25. 11d. per yard. Do you think it would be too extravagant wear? And should you not have a rather long and plain skirt made, and a postilion body edged with silk fringe, and how many yards do I want? [The poplin is dear at that price, as there is cotton in it. Black grenadine lasts a long time if you get the canvas grenadine. If you were to get a pale blue silk you could wear it with white polonaise, or blue, and vary it in the trimmings, whereas a white muslin would soon require washing. About fourteen yards of silk would make a long plain skirt, with deep basque bodice laced up the back. The basques may be trimmed with silk or lace, or simply bound with silk, as you wish.] doing up a navy blue serge dress, a very fine serge, with ball fringe round a very long tablier, and falling nicely at the back; and the back of the short serge skirt will be trimmed in tabs of black tresse braid. Would you recommend a velvet cuirasse or a silk one with the serge sleeves? I cannot match it in silk under 5s. 11d. Do you think the body of velvet or silk will look patchy when the skirt is trimmed with braid? Would you recommend a velveteen this colour? [It is a very pretty colour. I should recommend dark blue velvet for the cuirasse for winter wear, of an extremely dark shade. Can any of our

I am

readers tell Dora how to clean an eider down skirt.] I must mention I ordered October part of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, to see if I should like to take it always. I am not satisfied with many of the other journals, which only contain trash. I want to take up something with matter in it. I like the articles on "Young Ladies," ," "The Young Housekeeper," "Notable Living Women," "Something to Do," "Letters on Politeness; also the lines "Which."

ANONYMA writes: Dear Sylvia, I once more trouble you for your valuable assistance, and what could I do with a silk dress (pattern enclosed), 8 breadths in skirt, 84 inches in length behind, 42 inches in front, high and low body. I expect it will be too old-fashioned, do you? I think it would be better dyed, it is not soiled in the least. [There is no pattern of silk enclosed. If you refer to the mauve, it is not silk, but a shiny material of mixed cotton and silk. It would not dye.. As it is so enormously long, you might make a tablier of the length, and wear it as a house dress in spring.] 2. Will homespun dresses be worn this winter? If not, what could I do with a grey one and a brown one, plain skirts, jacket, waists, and tunics? [They will be worn.] 3. I want a jacket for outdoor wear this winter; what would you advise me to get? Will tight jackets be worn; if not, what will? [Cloth jackets will be much worn. shapes vary-tight, loose, and half-fitting-that

The

is, tight at the back, and with loose fronts.] 4. Also, what kind of glove is the Tyrol Glove, mentioned in the September number of Novelties of the Month. Are they kid or silk? [Kid.] 5. Will the enclosed pattern for plaid be fashionable this winter? if not, what could I do with a dress like the same, made walking length tunic, trimmed skirt, etc.? [It would only do for trimming a black or very dark-coloured dress.] ANONYMA writes-I am going to seek your advice once more on the following queries:

1. Did I enclose a letter for the Workroom last month? As it was not inserted, I thought I had made a mistake, and not enclosed it. 2. What could I make of eight yards of silk like pattern. I thought of making a skirt, and trimming it with small frills. Would there be enough for that, and getting some other material for a polonaise? or would some coloured silk go well with it? Any suggestions as to colour suitable, etc., will be esteemed a favour. 3. What could I make out of six yards of cord, like pattern enclosed? Would it look nice for a skirt with some other material over it, or would it look too much like mourning? 4. What will twelve yards of rep, like pattern enclosed, make up into? I thought of making it up with black velveteen. Would that look nice? If so, how should I have it done? 5. What kind of bonnet, hat, and jacket should I wear with the above things? I thought of a black velvet bonnet. If approved of, what colour should I have it trimmed? Finally. What could I do with eleven yards of alpaca, like pattern? Would it be good enough to make up into anything? Hoping this will be answered in the December Number, I am much obliged for past favours. I have much pleasure in forwarding the words of Robin Adair for Verena. [1. You will probably find your letter, with the answer, in this month's Work-room. We had not room for all last month, and were obliged to leave many over until the present number. We insert all in the order in which they come, and do our best to reply in good time; but, with so many correspondents, it is difficult to arrange space for all questions without curtailing the stories, which would be a pity. 2. You might buy some black cashmere or French merino, and trim the costume with pleatings of the black silk. It would only make a plain skirt; there is not sufficient to trim it. Coloured silk is not worn with black silk. 4. This would make a skirt, which you might trim with some of your black silk, and get some cord to match to make tablier and bodice, also to be trimmed with kilt pleatings of the silk. It would not look like mourning. I do not think the colour would look well with black velveteen; it is too red. The only way you could use it would be as a costume, trimmed with its own colour in a darker shade, which would tone it down. 5. A black velvet or felt bonnet would be the best, as you could wear it with any colour. Have it trimmed with black, and you can put in a coloured bird or flower if you like. A black cloth jacket would be very nice. 6. The alpaca would make a useful house dress, but is too thin to be worth making up elaborately.]

HELEN will be greatly obliged if Sylvia will tell her how to make a nice dress for the winter. She has a brown poplin dress (pattern enclosed), with a long gored skirt quite plain, the body and sleeves are worn, and therefore useless. Would it look nice made into a sleeveless polonaise, over a brown velveteen skirt? Helen is rather little and rather stout, pale complexion, light-brown hair. [It would look very well indeed as Helen suggests.] Helen has been a subscriber to THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for some time, but this being the first time she has troubled Sylvia, hopes she has conformed to rules. [In every respect.]

KATHLEEN writes-I shall be much indebted to Sylvia if she will give me instructions how to make up an old silk dress, like the enclosed piece. It is only a thin silk, and not worth much expense in remaking. I had none spared like it when it was made. It has a plain skirt, not very long. Tunic at the back like those worn last year, points in front about three quarters of a yard long, a plain waist, and coat sleeves. The latter and the tunic are trimmed round with a bias band like the dress, piped with a darker shade, and there are bows like the dark down the front of the dress. No part is soiled except the waist. I want the dress, if I can make it presentable, for evening parties during the winter; if it cannot be made nicely without something new, I should not object to a little expense if it is worth it. I have also a long white grenadine dress, with three frills on the skirt; the upper part of the skirt is entirely plain, except for the puffed back; the waist fits me very badly, and the sleeves are too short? Could the dress be made wearable? I have a yard of fine black cashmere, and a low black velvet bodice; if they would be any use in trimming, I might cut them up. [I should keep the dress as it is, and wear it under a tablier and open bodice of pale mauve or white muslin. Open the bodice down the front en cœur. If you have pretty arms, cut your sleeves to the elbow, and trim with frills of the mauve or white muslin. 2. You cannot trim grenadine with either cashmere or velvet. You had better have a new body and sleeves.]

AGGIE presents her compliments to Sylvia, and would be greatly obliged if she would tell her where the pattern of the gentleman's flannel vest, illustrated in the diagram sheet of October, could be obtained, as she cannot find it in Madame Goubaud's price list of paper patterns. [Apply to Madame Adèle Letellier, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.] Aggie has a waterproof cloak, nearly new, which has a cape twenty inches long, and sleeves drawn in at the wrist with elastic. Will Sylvia tell her how it could be altered, as the sleeves are so troublesome to get on in a hurry? [Make them rather wide, coat shape, and dispense with the elastic.]

MYRA writes-I am much pleased with your useful magazine, and seeing that you answer all kinds of questions, I am going to trouble you for a little information respecting a velvet jacket. Would you send me, per post, a suitable pattern for one that will not be likely to look particular for some time to come? My age is over 40, and I am not stout or tall, only medium height; therefore I do not want one to look too young. Please state what price velvet would be suitable I should like it good, but at the same time do not wish to be at more expense than I can help. Would you have any trimming on it, and what quantity of velvet would be required? State the price of the pattern, and I will return in stamps. [Madame Adèle Letellier, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, will give you all the information you ask for. The price of the pattern would be 2s. 9d. I would not trim a new velvet jacket; trim it when it has been worn a season or two.]

MERRIE writes-How much material would be required to make a travelling cloak, like the

pattern in the August number? [I cannot discover to which cloak you refer; there are one or two mantles, but none is specified as a travelling cloak.]

MAMMA would be obliged if any of your correspondents would give knitted or crochet patterns of couvre-pieds or antimacassars in wool, and directions for making them. Mamma has received patterns of night-caps from Madame Goubaud (now Letellier), which have given satisfaction. She thanks the Editor for inserting her wants. [If you write again, please use only one side of the paper.]

IDA WALES again comes to Sylvia for kind assistance, to answer her a few more troublesome questions in the Decembe: number. She has been in mourning for more than three months for an uncle, wearing little crape, and now wishes to have an old silk dress (which she has had dyed and looks quite new, as the silk was very good) made up with some other material, so that she could wear it during the present season. Her mamma wishes her to be in slight mourning a little longer, therefore, if Sylvia could advise her what to get, and how to make it look fashionable, she will be very pleased. The old dress was a long plain skirt and body, with two narrow frills at the bottom of skirt. [Make it up with black cashmere or French merino tablier and basque, sleeveless bodice.] She has also another plain black silk dress similar to the above, only plain bands of silk trimming it instead of the frills. Could she have it made up for evening wear with muslin or what? [Grenadine, tarlatane, net, or crêp e lisse.] She is rather tall, slight, darkish-brown hair, with very pale complexion. Ida Wales has a very good chinchilla muff, and wishes to have trimmings on her jacket to match. About what price could she get a good set, about two and a half inches wide? And would kind Sylvia think it too old-looking for her? [At this width, chincilla is about 25s. per yard. It would not look too old.] Also, if chinchilla can be nicely cleaned? and where? [Chinchilla cleans well. Cook, furrier, 90, Oxford Street.] She wrote to the Drawing-room in one of the summer months, to ask if the Editor would kindly give a pattern for a sofa blanket. The answer was-Not suitable for the time of year. As Ida Wales does not know a better-suited time than now, therefore, if she would kindly give one in the next month she would be much obliged. [We shall see if we can give one soon.] Also, if it would be convenient to give a pattern hood for the bolster waterproof? [Apply to Madame Adèle Letellier, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, for this.] Ida Wales concludes, trusting she has kept to the rules, wishing Sylvia and the Editor every success with their very interesting and useful magazine.

EDITH ROSE will be greatly obliged if Sylvia will tell her how to remake a half-fitting velvet jacket (it is rather long and quite plain, coat sleeves), and what it should be trimmed with. It has been dyed, but looks like new. shapes will be worn this winter? She wishes to make herself. She is married, about forty, and a thin figure. [Long, half-fitting at the

up

What

back, with fronts either loose or shaped, is the fashionable form. Trim with fur, feather trimming, or rich lace. For other questions see "Home Millinery."] She was much pleased to find in the October number of her YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN the subject of Home Millinery introduced, it is what she has long wished; it would be most useful to herself, and no doubt to many others. She has by her some violet velvet and black lace, which, with the addition of ribbon, a flower, or feather, would make her, she feels sure, a useful winter bonnet. She would be most grateful for a few hints, which would help her to make it herself. [See "Home Millinery" for this month.

Get a shape resembling this, and make a soft crown of the velvet. It will look better without the lace, unless the latter be very good. If you have any difficulty write to me.] Edith Rose begs to differ in opinion from "A very Old Subscriber." She thinks Sylvia's letters delightful, and the magazine very nice and useful; it is an old favourite, and one she looks forward to with pleasure each month; it has given her many hours' amusement in a dull country place.

OUR DRAWING-ROOM.

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.

AMY writes: Dear Madam,-I have only just read the letter of "A Very Old Subscriber;" but I cannot help taking pen in hand at once, to refute what seem to me statements so unjust and fault-finding. First, the complaint respecting the 'Drawing-room." Surely very few, if any, of your readers would agree that it is against the journal to publish questions as well as answers. It is by so doing that the "Drawing-room " is one of the most interesting features of the magazine, and has become what its name implies-a pleasant flow of chit-chat on varied and mostly entertaining subjects; and I must confess that I always begin the magazine at the end, reading with great avidity the correspondence both in the Drawing-room and Work-room," in which I find not only amusement but instruction in the shape of useful hints on dress and varied subjects. And I know that in asserting that these portions of the journal, with your letters (for which I thank you heartily every month) are amongst its chief attractions, I am only acting as mouthpiece for the many-for a very large majorityof Young Englishwomen who enjoy and profit by them as I do, month by month, and who would give a hearty assent to all I have said. Hoping that the journal may be more and more appreciated and successful, I remain, most truly yours, AMY. [Many thanks.-Sylvia.]

"

AGNES writes: Dear Sylvia,-Can you give my sister and myself directions for making sealing-wax baskets and a cone-work cardbasket? I have as many cones as will make a pretty one, but I do not know how to set about it. [A sealing-wax basket is made as follows: Cut six or eight strips of cardboard wide and rounded at the top, and tapering off to an inch at the bottom. Stitch these firmly together, so as to make a prettily-shaped basket. Then cut a pretty handle out of cardboard, and sew it firmly on at each end. Get some sticks of the best sealing-wax, of whatever colour you prefer red is best-and dissolve them in spirits of wine; this will take some time to do. When the sealing-wax has quite dissolved, brush it over the basket, inside and out, and while it is wet, scatter rice over it. The rice will adhere firmly as soon as the sealing-wax is cold. Then wash it all over with another coating of sealingwax. For making a card-basket in cone-work, procure some strong cardboard, over which paste brown paper. Proceed as for the sealingwax basket to procure the shape. Strip some of the large cones of their scales, and stitch these evenly and firmly round the edge of the basket, as many rows as you like, according to the depth of the basket. The remaining space is filled in with the cones, arranged in any variety of ways you prefer. Acorns look pretty mixed with them, and the extreme point of the

large cones come in very well with the smaller ones; these are glued on. When all is arranged, varnish the whole with the best copal varnish, using a camel-hair brush of medium size. When the varnish shall have thoroughly dried, line the basket with silk or cashmere, and trim with ribbon. Wall-brackets look very well in conework.]

DOVE writes,-Will Sylvia kindly tell me how to get rid of a quantity of crickets which infest our house? ["The Cultivator" says:"No insect which crawls can live under the application of hot alum water. It will destroy red and black ants, cockroaches, spiders, chintz bugs, and all the crawling pests which infest our houses. Take two pounds of alum, and dissolve it in three or four quarts of boiling water; let it stand on the fire till the alum is all melted; then apply it with a brush while nearly boiling-hot, to every joint and crevice in your closets, bedsteads, pantry shelves, and the like.

Brush the crevices in the floor of the skirting or mop-boards, if you suspect that they harbour vermin. If in whitewashing a ceiling, plenty of alum is added to the lime, it will also serve to keep insects at a distance. Cockroaches will flee the paint which has been washed in cool alum water. Sugar barrels and boxes can be freed from ants by drawing a wide chalk mark just round the edge of the top of them. The mark must be unbroken, or they will creep over it; but a continuous chalk mark half-aninch in width, will set their depredations at naught. Powdered alum or borax will keep the chintz bug at a reasonable distance, and travellers should always carry a bundle of it in their hand-bags to scatter over and under their pillows in hotels, etc. While staying at an hotel once, with a party, most of whom complained sadly of the nightly attacks of these disgusting insects, I was able to keep them entirely at bay by its use, and I distributed the contents of my bundle among the party, to their great relief."|

DORIS is informed that the charge for an advertisement such as she sent is two shillings. See advertisements at end of " Drawing-room.'

FRANCESCA has a number of specimens of different packs of cards, some of them very pretty. Could Sylvia kindly suggest in the next number of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN any use to which they could be put? [They might make pretty letter-racks, if arranged in semicircles, glued together at the lower end and silk pasted at the back to keep them in their place. The back of the rack might be of pasteboard, covered with silk. Little bows of ribbon to match the silk might be sewed on where the cards do not meet, and the rack might be finished off with two large bows of ribbon at the two lower corners. Perhaps some of our readers may suggest a better idea. If not, next month I will try again.]

HELIOTROPE sends her compliments to the Editor, and would like to know by the next number, if drinking tea is injurious to the complexion? [Yes, if taken in excess.] Is coffee? [I have never heard that it is.] What are the best means of improving the complexion? [Fresh air, simple food, and exercise.] Also what shape of bonnet will be worn this winter? [Round, oval, and gipsy shape.] Heliotrope likes THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN So very much.

A. C. would be glad if the Editor, or any of his correspondents, would kindly tell her of a cure for warts.

JESS will be much obliged if the Editor wili answer her three questions. Jess has taken the magazine for several years, and has never

troubled the Editor before. What is the mean ing of a Polyglot Bible? ["Polyglot means, containing many languages. A Polyglot Bible is one in which translations into several languages are contained in one volume; for instance, Greek, Latin, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.] Is the J sounded in Don Juan? [Not in Spanish; but English people usually pronounce the J.] The name of the song with the following lines at the end of each verse:-

"I laugh when I tell them to let me be, For I know that my love will be true to me." [I never heard this song. Perhaps you are thinking of

"I tell them they needn't come wooing to me, For my heart, my heart, is over the sea." This is Claribel's "Maggie's Secret."]

FANNY. It is impossible to tell anyone's character from a description of their personal appearance. Even clever physiognomists are frequently mistaken in their judgment; and I do not think the cleverest of them would undertake to describe an individual's character from a description given by an inexperienced girl. What reason have your friends for supposing the person in question to be only amusing himself? You must be careful, and exercise your judgment. It is a difficult case; and unfortunately, there are many similar, even in these days of actions for breach of promise. These disagreeable things do not seem to have had a salutary effect on the male flirt, for such actions do not seem to diminish in number, extraordinary as it seems that so many women should be found willing to bring them, even under the greatest provocation.

S. P. will feel greatly obliged if Sylvia, or any of the correspondents of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN, can tell her the words of a

song called The Hazel Dell," commencing, "In the hazel dell my Nellie's sleeping;" also of an old song called " Dorothy Daisy." She has taken the magazine a long time, and likes it very much. Has never asked any questions before; hopes she has not infringed any of the rules. Please send stamped directed envelope for the words to be forwarded to you.]

CARICE would be grateful if the Editor would answer the following questions in the December number of the magazine. Carice is expecting to make her home very shortly in the United States, and would be sorry to lose your valuable magazine. Could you tell her in what way she could get it? Could she have it direct from England, or get it through an American bookseller? [The latter would be the less expensive way, as Carice would not then have to pay postage.] Which is the proper finger to wear the engaged ring on? is it the same as the wedding-ring? [Yes.] Also, will it be right for bridesmaids to wear tulle veils like the bride, or should they have bonnets? [They should have bonnets or hats.]

JACQUELINE Would be much obliged if the Editor could inform her whether the dish called pot-au-feu, mentioned in the article entitled, The Young Housekeeper," of the November number, is made with salted or fresh beef. [Fresh.]

FLORENCE will feel obliged to Sylvia if she will tell her some way of doing her hair, which is brown, rather short, but thick. Florence is seventeen years of age, and very tall. [The hair is now worn coiled round the head. Tie it high at each side, slightly twist it, and lay it softly fold over fold.]

ELLA would be much obliged if Sylvia would tell her if it would be proper for two girls, 14 and 16, to wear grey this winter, when they have been in mourning a year for a mother? If so, what material would be most suitable? [Dark grey may be worn. Homespun, serge, beige, or cloth. Also, what kind of a bonnet should a girl sixteen in half-mourning wear this winter? Should it be black straw? [Black straw or felt, trimmed with black. There may be a few grey or white flowers mixed among the black.] What is the most suitable way for a young girl to do her hair who objects to a pad. It must not be a roll, as that does not suit her. [Curls are the only other way.] Is the word gray" spelt most frequently with an "e" or an "a"? [The English spell it with an "e," the Americans with an "a."] Ella hopes she has conformed to the rules, as she has never before written. She has been a subscriber for some time, and likes the magazine very much. She hopes to see an answer to all her questions in the November magazine. [The November number was in print seven days before Ella's letter was written.]

"

SARAH writes,-When printed cards of invitation are sent out (I mean, "at homes"), how should they be answered? [Formally.] Are there printed forms for the purpose? [No.] When you have used your finger-glass after dinner, what is the proper thing to do with it and the d'oyley? [Leave them as they are.] Should the servant remove them? [Not till everyone has left the dining-room.] When finger-glasses are not used, is it the proper thing to have lace mats and the port and sherry glasses (if none other are used) and silver knife and fork placed on the dessert plate before handing them round? [Yes, all but the glasses.] Will you tell me of something to clear my voice before singing-it is sometimes rather thick? [A raw egg is the best thing.] In conclusion, I should like to add my poor opinion to that of the greater number of your subscribers, that the journal could not be better conducted. Please do not publish the address. [We never publish real names and addresses except in the Exchange, when authorized to do so.]

[GERTRUDE's first query is an advertisement, and can only be inserted as such.] Is the Italian language a very difficult one to learn? [Not very.] Is it possible to earn a good incorne by singing at concerts? [Yes, when the singer has made a name.] What will be the most fashionable way of dressing the hair this winter? [See reply to Florence.]

YELLOW HAMMER writes,-I have "Mrs. Beeton's Household Management," but do not find in it a receipt for French mustard. Can some of your correspondents kindly give me the necessary directions? I was sorry to see in one of your late numbers that the system of giving the questions as well as the answers of correspondents was disapproved of. I think it admirable, and hope it will not be altered. [It will not be altered.] Can you tell me a cure for a smoky drawing-room chimney? [If the chimney be kept well swept, the fault must be in the building. Only an architect can advise you in this case.] Please tell me the reason why my pickles, though otherwise nice, are so sour and sharp as to be almost uneatable. [To what kind of pickles do you allude? Homemade or otherwise?] There is a short poem commencing,

"Three poets in three distant ages born;" Will you kindly give me the remainder, and tell me the names of the three poets? [The three poets alluded to are Homer, Virgil, and Milton. I will give you the words next month. The poem, of which Dryden is the author, is an epitaph on Milton, and may be seen on the external wall of a church in Cannon Street, City.] I wrote some time ago, signing myself Mary Jane, to ask the height of Venus de Medici; but received no reply. [I believe the height is 5 feet 4 inches.] I have subscribed to THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN for some time,

and think no alteration could be an improve

ment.

FRANCESCA wishes to know what asylums for the indigent blind exist in the South and West of England, and will feel grateful to Sylvia for any information which may enable her to get the blind child of a poor widow admitted into one where he would be maintained and be taught some way of earning a livelihood. [I am unable to give the information, but I hope some of our kind correspondents will be able to do so in the January number; or, if sent by post, I will forward replies with pleasure. Sylvia.]

Can any of our readers tell FRANCES of a really effectual cure for chilblains; or, better still, of a good preventive?

KATHLEEN asks if anyone has the song entitled " Polly" to dispose of for a trifle, or in exchange for another song? She believes it is by Molloy, but is not certain.

K. M. would be obliged if anyone could give her a good receipt for oatmeal cakes.

FRANCES presents her compliments to Sylvia, and would be much obliged if she would kindly insert the following questions in next month's issue of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN. What kind is an onyx ring? I saw it offered in exchange. [Onyx is not valuable. It is in shades of red. I have heard there is a superstition about breaking a looking-glass? would you please tell it to me. [It is considered unlucky; but I cannot tell why.] What is the most becoming way for a person with a round face to do up her hair, and what style of hat ought to suit her? [The hair should be arranged high on the head, and flat at the sides. The oval-shaped hats are the most becoming.] Is there a paper published that advertises for young ladies wishing to make themselves in some way useful? Where would I get it? [Such advertisements may be seen in any paper. There is none specially devoted to them.] The enclosed cure for hydrophobia may be useful to many of the readers of the magazine, if you insert it. [I hope for our readers' sakes that they will not be likely to want a remedy of the kind. The recipe you send is most unlikely to be efficacious.] Kindly say if I have written according to rules. [Yes.]

MABEL W. will feel very much obliged to Sylvia if she will tell her whether the Swiss Fairy Organs, price 35. and 5s., constructed to play a variety of airs, are durable, and as good as they are advertised to be. M. W. first saw them advertised in the "Queen" newspaper, as to be had at different places; but the only place she remembers is W. Pike, 2, Maryland Road, London, W. [I have had no personal experience of them, but am told they do not last. They can scarcely be expected to do so, at the low price at which they are sold.]

ELIZA writes,---Madam, I am writing to ask you if you could give a pattern of square and lappets in point-lace for lady's cap, in an early number of the magazine; it would be such a nice present for our elderly friends for Christmas or New Year, if you could give it in time. [The patterns for December were all arranged before your letter was received. I hope there may be something suitable.] Also, can I get Madame Letellier's price-list of pointlace materials, and where? [She will send it you on receipt of stamped addressed envelope. Address, 30, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.]

ENTOMOLOGIST writes,-I have much plea-. sure in answering Eugénie's question in entomology. I think the practice of pinning insects alive has now quite fallen into disuse, as it is not only cruel, but in nine cases out of ten renders the specimen quite unfit for the cabinet. Neither should I advocate the use of fumes of sulphur, as it is a most troublesome, unpleasant -and, to persons who are at all weak in the chest-often a dangerous operation; and, though it appears to have no effect on some insects, there are many others, especially among

Lepidoptera, whose beauty it totally destroys. I think the best of all plans is to gently raise one side of the cover of the box in which the prize is secured, and to slip in a strip of thick blotting-paper, which has been immersed in chloroform. In a second or two the insect is insensible, and dies without suffering the least pain or injury. This plan is expeditious, easy, and inexpensive; and I have never found it render any insect unfit for setting, as some seem to imagine it does. One word of caution is necessary. It is not pleasant to visit our setting house, and to find the moths we "killed" some days ago, as lively as ever, and perfectly ruined by their endeavours to free their wings from the braces that hold them down. To prevent this, let none but the strongest chloroform be used, and make it a rule never to raise the lid of the box for at least five minutes after the dose has been administered. It is true that many die in one-fifth of that time, but it is best to err on the right side; and to be quite sure that the very large, full-bodied moths will not revive, I often leave them from twenty minutes to half-an-hour. A little experience will teach all that is necessary, and as I have been collecting some years, I shall be most happy at any time to render Eugénie all the assistance in my power.

B. A. would be very much obliged if anyone would tell her the most likely place for selling embroidery or crochet for trimming. She hears that linendrapers sometimes buy it. She is very anxious to earn a little money, of which she is in want just at present, and would gladly undertake any sort of employment that she could do at home.

FEFFA would be so much obliged if Sylvia could give a pretty pattern of a pinafore for a little girl of two years, muslin, diaper, or nansook. Feffa has the superintendence of the village school work, and she thinks Eugenie would find it a good plan to let one woman in the parish have the work to sell at her cottage, giving her id. in the Is. for her trouble on all she sells. Feffa finds aprons, children's clothing and shirts are readily bought by the poor if not priced too highly. [We will give the pattern on the January diagram-sheet.]

ELIZABETH has a quantity of fur of the enclosed pattern. Would Sylvia kindly tell her how to clean it. Elizabeth has taken THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN from the very first, and likes it very much. [The fur is squirrel. You can clean it with bran or sawdust. Get it very clean and dry, and lay it over the fur ; after it has been on it for some time, rub it off with your fingers. It would be safer to send it to a dyer and cleaner.]

HELEN will be grateful if some of the correspondents of THE YOUNG ENGLISHWOMAN will kindly tell her how to cook potato chips. She has tried them several times, but cannot succeed in making them crisp and curled.

FRIZ has short natural-curling hair, which will not grow, much as she wishes it to. Can Sylvia, or any of her numerous readers, recommend her anything that will make it do so, in the way of hair-wash, pomade, etc. Friz likes the magazine very much indeed, and hopes she has kept to the rules.

AGGIE will feel much obliged if the Editor will tell her the pronunciation of the word reredos. [As it is spelled-two syllables.] She has some china which she thinks is old; it is stamped with a crown, under which is No. 26, two sprays of leaves, and the letters J. & R. G. Can the Editor tell her whether it is old? [I will try to find out for you before our next issue.]

PENCIL would like to know the best way to set pencil-drawings, she has tried a solution of gum, but only succeeded in smearing and spoiling the sketches. Pencil would feel very much obliged if Sylvia could tell her of a better plan. Pencil has taken the magazine for some time, and thinks it very good indeed [An artist friend tells me that skimmed milk on which not a particle of cream has been allowed to remain, is the best preparation.]