An Iris.—1. We thank you for the recipe for preserving flowers in a vase—i.e., to put a good pinch of salt in the water, and more if the vase be large. It counteracts the bad effect produced by a hot room. If your mother-in-law be kindly disposed towards you, as evidenced by subscribing herself “affectionately,” and even “very affectionately yours,” you may sign yourself “your affectionate daughter.” 2. The operation, as performed in the sad case you describe, is indeed most horrible. Happily, all cases and all modes of treatment are not alike.
Beryl.—You need complete change of air. If living inland, go to the seaside; if on a plain, exchange to an elevated situation. If this change be accompanied by a complete rest from intellectual work, and from use of the eyes in reading, writing, or fine needlework; and, added to this, you go out twice a day, abstaining from walks that will fatigue you, and you take cod-liver oil or plenty of cream, we think you will recover in a few months.
Vizer.—Friction is good for the liver, not “blows.” The use of a skipping-rope is desirable, and brown wholemeal bread should be taken for breakfast and tea—not mere ordinary bread with an admixture of bran.
Flake.—Hot potatoes and hot carrots are very wholesome; not so when cold. Your digestion appears out of order. Consult a doctor.
Tring.—Perhaps tannin lozenges and alum and water gargle might be serviceable to you; but we cannot prescribe for perfect strangers.
A Little Lamb.—We sympathise much with you in the religious sentiments you express, and we wish you God-speed.
Puzzled One.—The word “glebe” has more than one meaning. Webster gives four. It is derived from the Latin—Gleba, clod, land, soil. In mining it means a piece of earth containing mineral ore; in ecclesiastical law it means the land belonging to as parish church or benefice. It was used to mean a meadow or field in your quotation.
Two Fern Leaves have no business to correspond with any young men without their parents’ express sanction, and unless engaged to them.
Juno.—Certainly, women can sign as witnesses to a will or any legal document, provided they be of age.
Mary Brooks.—We could not possibly tell you what salary you might obtain at a fancy-work shop, as so much depends on the style of place, situation, facility in obtaining hands, state of trade, and amount of competition in that line of business, added to which must be your own efficiency and experience. Inquire at several shops, and so discover the average salary given.