STUDY AND STUDIO.
An Appreciative Reader.—There are many books of instruction on painting, by the help of which you might make considerable progress. You might try Brushwork, first book, by Miss Yates, published by Philip & Son, 32, Fleet Street, or Brushwork, or Painting without Pencil Outline, by Miss D. Pearce, published by Charles and Dible, 10, Paternoster Square.
Snowdrop.—Many thanks for your interesting letter. We have inserted your request. No, we cannot tell you of anything that will make you grow, except what you seem to enjoy, plenty of fresh air and good food. We are glad your life is so happy, and hope you try to put a little brightness into the lives of others who are not so fortunate. Perhaps your friend is unhappy on account of the troubles of other people. You should have a chat with her on the subject.
Miss McC. (Germany).—We fear your tune, through the mistake of a clerk, has been returned to you without criticism. If so, we are extremely sorry, and will give you our best advice in case you send it again.
A Devonian.—It is impossible to compose correctly without lessons in harmony. The “Kyrie” is rather weak, but the hymn tune is far better, so good that we think it is a great pity for you not to give your attention to the study of the theory of music.
Hêrê.—If the hymn tune enclosed is only your second attempt, we can frankly encourage you to persevere. You resolve your chords wrongly, more especially in the latter part of the tune; but study would amend that fault. We hope you will take lessons in harmony, as we think you have talent.
“Sis.”—There are at least 144 Schools of Art in connection with the Science and Art Department of the Committee of Council on Education, in many of which instruction is given in architecture. You should apply to the Secretary, Science and Art Department, London, S.W. Architecture is an art by itself, and it would be useless for us to attempt to outline the course of instruction needful for an architect.
Ivy Leaves.—1. The specimen of prose composition you enclose is written in a curious way, as though it were intended for poetry. Prose usually flows consecutively on, line after line. You have evidently a love for nature and an eye for the beautiful, but more than this is needed for success in literature. You should read all you can.—2. Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow in 1542, a few days before the death of her father.
Gladwys.—You give no details of the sort of recitation you require, short or long, pathetic or humorous. “Aunt Tabitha,” by Oliver Wendell Holmes; “The Bishop and the Caterpillar” (Boy’s Own Paper); “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” by Lewis Carroll, are effective. “Over the Hill to the Poor House,” and “Over the Hill from the Poor House” are to be found, with other good recitations, in Alfred Miles’s American Reciter, price 6d. Of course, the volumes of Tennyson, Browning, Mrs. Browning, Longfellow, Whittier, Adelaide Anne Proctor, will provide you with an endless chain of lyrics.