Those that fly by night are the most frequent victims, but besides these many either fly or are blown against the wires, and killed or injured so severely that they die before long.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
EDUCATIONAL.
Melissa Matheson.—The Braille System is the invention of M. Louis Braille, who was a blind professor at one of the national French institutions for the blind in Paris. The work of copying the cut-books is done by ladies, and the blind copy the embossed copy five times at least. You can obtain full particulars on applying to the secretary, British and Foreign Blind Association, 33, Cambridge-square, Hyde Park, London, W.
A Lover of History.—Sir William Wallace was defeated at Falkirk, July, 1298, by Edward I., brought to London, and hanged at Smithfield, 24th August, 1305, seven years afterwards. His public life extends over a period of fifteen months, and as to the history of his private life, there is an absolute blank. The whole of the fables about Sir William Wallace are the product of Blind Harry’s imagination.
A Martinite.—You do not mention where you live, so our help will not be as effectual as it might be. You would obtain evening classes at the Birkbeck Institution, Bream’s-buildings, Chancery-lane, E.C., in all the branches you name. Subscriptions, 4s. quarterly, 12s. annually.
S. A. U.—We should think you fully capable of taking a situation as governess with your certificates, which say so much for your general education, as well as attainments in music. Your handwriting is certainly not good, and looks uncultured. The only way you can improve it is to take some pretty handwriting and form yours on it.
M. B. B.—You should write to the secretary of the College of Preceptors, 42, Queen-square, Bloomsbury, W.C., for their prospectus, and all information for the current year or coming term. It holds half-yearly pupils’ examinations, the certificates given being recognised as guarantees of a good and general education. The fee is 10s.
ART.
Mermaid.—Seaweed taken from rocks should be placed in a basin of cold fresh water to spread itself out, and removed from thence on to a sheet of blotting-paper by sliding a card under it. See directions already given, and the article on how to preserve seaweed.