MISCELLANEOUS.
An Old Subscriber.—Visiting-cards, as such, should not be sent by post under any circumstances. The enclosure of cards with a piece of wedding-cake only serves to indicate whence the latter comes. They are not sent as visiting-cards.
Scientist.—The writer of the articles on “House-Mottoes” has been questioned on the subject of the old house in Lancashire, known as “Bradley Hall.” That it may be identified as being reduced to the position of a farm-house is all she can suggest. She was not aware that any other ancient country seats existed in Lancashire, all of them known by the same name; and is surprised to hear that there are “several.” “The Herald’s Visitations” of the county might afford the information required.
Ethelinda writes a good legible free hand.
Our Dick.—The game called “kiss-in-the-ring” is not one played by the higher classes of society. Amongst others less reserve is unfortunately permitted. In any case such familiarity between young men and women is inexpedient. Blues, greens, and violet are the colours which best suit red or chestnut hair.
E. E. Morgan.—We thank you for your list of places where used postage-stamps may be sent for the benefit of the Asylum for Girls at Le Locle, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. We are well acquainted with the “Asile des Billodes,” and have often both written about it in the “G. O. P.,” but contribute largely to it annually, direct to a native friend. However, we will give our readers two addresses, with which you have favoured us, viz., the Swiss Home, Mechlenburg Square, W.C., and Messrs. Loizeaux Bros., 63, Fourth Avenue, New York. We inquired of a Swiss friend how such stamps were made available for the benefit of the charity, and she said she believed, though she was not sure, that they were sent to Nuremberg for the purpose of making papier maché. We give her conjecture for what it may be worth.
Haha.—If the dust coming out of the wood you name be consequent on “dry-rot”—a decay of the wood—it is connected with the growth of a minute plant belonging to the tribe of fungi, which spreads with wonderful rapidity, and feeds on the juice of the wood. Of course, if the wood be infested with vermin, you can ascertain that fact for yourself by examining it with a microscope, and observing any movement, if there be such.
Excelsior.—The character begins to be formed in early childhood, but the judgment takes a good many years to come to maturity, and in some not till five-and-twenty or later, and remains defective the whole life through with others. From the character of your letter, we should say that your state of health has a great influence on your excitable and unhappy frame of mind. You are also striving by fits and starts to “be good” in your own strength, instead of telling your Heavenly Father your temptations, doubts, and frequent falls, and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit. He has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength shall be made perfect in weakness.” Pray for grace to look away from self and its insufficiency to Christ, Who hath “borne our sins,” and “by Whose stripes we are healed.” Live from day to day; do not forestall temptations and imaginary failures. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
W. A. B. E.—The “best man” leads out the bride’s eldest sister (or first bridesmaid), and the others may follow escorted by the other gentlemen near relatives (single men). The bride cuts the cake in the first instance, and she deputes any of the young men—brother or “best man”—to cut up what is required.
[“MY FAVOURITE CONTRIBUTORS” COMPETITION.]
Each reader of this paper is asked to select Ten Contributors from the Portrait Gallery, which we present with our Thousandth Number, and to write us an interesting letter telling us, as though from friend to friend, which writings of her favourite contributors please her most.
Begin the letter, which may be short or long, and which may be written on any kind and size of paper preferred by the writer, with the words—
My dear Mr. Editor,
My favourite contributors are—
1st.________________
And what I have enjoyed most are—— (with any remarks of the competitor’s own which she may wish to make).
2nd.________________
And so on.
Full signature________________
Address________________
The ten letters which satisfy the Editor most will be awarded a prize of One Guinea each, so there will be ten of these prizes. There will also be ten prizes of Half-a-Guinea each (making twenty prizes in all), and a list of Honourable Mention.
The last day for receiving the letters will be May Day, 1899, and no letters can be returned to the writers.
[OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.]
“WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.”
A STORY IN MINIATURE.
First Prize (£2 2s.).
Letitia E. May, Tremayne, Alton, Hants.
Second Prize (£1 1s.).
Miss A. G. Pike, 21, Beatrice Avenue, Plymouth.
Third Prize (10s. 6d.).
Bessie Hine, 508, West Green Road, South Tottenham.
Honourable Mention.
“Dalkeith,” Southsea; Helen A. Rickards, Monmouth; Lucy Richardson, York; Relda Hofman, Paris; Ada A. Gage, Norwich; “Felicity,” Harwich, Essex; E. Jackson, Bow, E.; Lottie Hardy, Redcliffe Road, South Kensington; Margaret Rudd, Anerley; Edith Matthew, Beckenham; Elizabeth Rogers, Tramore, Co. Waterford; Florence L. Berry, Worcester; Florence Bensted, Deal; Alice E. Graves, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary; Lucy Bourne, Winchester; “Edythe,” Boscombe, Hants.