“FREEZE, FREEZE, THOU BITTER SKY,

THOU DOST NOT BITE SO NIGH

AS BENEFITS FORGOT.”

A Constant Reader tells us that she became so deaf from a severe cold, that she could not hear the clock strike when close to it. For this deafness she tried the following prescription, for which, she says, a lady paid a physician three guineas. She moistened a little wool with the fat of uncooked bacon, and put it in her ears, changing it every second day. The weather being cold, she tied a lace lappet over her ears, and when out of doors covered them with her bonnet strings. In less than a fortnight her hearing was restored, and she has had no return of deafness. Another lady recovered her hearing by means of taking a strong tonic, taking also nourishing food, and so strengthening the entire system, and with equally satisfactory results.

S. Mearer.—We do not recommend the profession you name. It is one of such great temptation, and such a hindrance to spiritual life and progress. It is also exceedingly trying to the health.

Helen Ada.—All games of ball are of very remote origin. The Greeks played them assiduously, and gave a statue to Aristonicus for his wonderful play. Tennis is thought, from the terms used in the game, to have originated in France prior to the fifteenth century. There is a book called “Annals of Tennis,” by Julian Marshall, which would interest you.

Awkward Sixteen.—Ask a surgeon. We could not give an opinion without seeing them. It is always a risky thing to carry bottles full of any liquid in a trunk; it is better to put them in the handbag, if there be room.

Note of Interrogation.—A widow can claim a third of her husband’s property, and the remaining two-thirds are divided in equal shares between his children, by whichever wife. The marriage settlements, if any exist, are apart from this. You may have money from this source.

A. B. C.—Always consult your rector as to the decorations of his church. Your writing is fairly good and legible.