Anxious Inquirer.—We thank you for your offer of articles; but our staff of experienced writers and authors is very ample, and we have no means of assisting you in this way. Good wood engravings sell well, but the competition is considerable.
Adelheid von Döring.—1. The word “anomalous” means irregular, deviation from ordinary rules, abnormal. 2. Pierre, in the line of Byron’s “Childe Harold”—
“Shylock and the Moor,
And Pierre cannot be swept or worn away,”
was a conspirator in Otway’s tragedy of Venice Preserved. He dies, stabbed by Jaffer.
Nest Bird.—The Castle of Hurstmonceux is Norman. Waleran de Monçeau, first lord of the district, gave his name to it. From an heiress of this family, it passed to Sir John de Fienes, whose descendants, the Lords Dacre, held it till 1708. An ancient manor-house existed on the site of the castle. This was built, temp. Henry VI., by Sir Roger de Fienes, entirely of brick. The interior, having fallen into decay, was demolished by Wyatt (architect), and used for enlarging the present mansion, Hurstmonceux Place, at one side of the park. The shell of the castle remains—half fortress, half mansion. The moat was drained, temp. Elizabeth. The flanking towers are eighty-four feet high, and capped by watch turrets. The shield of the Fienes, with their supporters, the alannes, or wolf-dog, figured in most of the windows, and over the porter’s lodge was a room called “The Drummer’s Hall,” in which, tradition says, a treasure chest was concealed and guarded by a supernatural drummer, whose drum was occasionally heard at midnight.
Tomboy.—Has your mother provided a leather (calfskin) suit for you of the “bloomer” or bathing-dress style? If not, how about the dresses she gives you? Surely they are very unsuitable for the “climbing of trees”? You may enjoy plenty of good exercise, in a great variety of ways, that will not injure your clothes. Of course, if a mad dog or ferocious bull were racing after you, no one could object to your climbing either a tree or a wall, and you might prepare for such an event by some lessons in gymnastic exercises.
Birne seems injudicious in her attempt to take high notes. She risks the over-straining of her voice, and in so doing may lose it altogether. One hour’s practice daily is quite sufficient, if not preparing as a professional, in which case the period allotted for it should be divided; and you should not attempt to sing after taking outdoor exercise.
High-school Girl.—1. Playing such games with your brothers under the circumstances you name could not be at all objectionable. 2. Your verses need counting through, and the beat or emphasis placed on the proper syllable, as on the corresponding one in its corresponding line. The verses have, otherwise, some merit.
White Rosebud.—The old brass coin which you describe appears to be only a token, and of no value.