Tooting Graveney.—To water plants, such as rose trees, with tobacco water is said to destroy blight.
Lottie.—We could not recommend anything for removing stains of paraffin oil from a light-coloured dress. First, you do not name the material; but, in any case, we always recommend the employment of some trimming to cover the stain, or else the substitution of a new breadth. Possibly a rearrangement of folds or pleats might conceal it.
Au désespoir.—It is, as we have frequently told our readers, quite impossible to teach French pronunciation otherwise than orally, as their alphabet and ours are dissimilar in sound. In Latin it is otherwise. Of the terms you name, however, we may give the sound with our own letters. "Monsieur" is pronounced "Mus-yeu," not "Mus-you"; and "Mademoiselle" as "Mad-moy-zelle." The syllable "ieur" is pronounced as the word for "eyes" in French, viz., "yeux." Perhaps you know how to pronounce that word. We are not acquainted with any other book on the subject of phonetic pronunciation.
Fatima (Smyrna).—1. There is no periodical with which we are acquainted that is specially devoted to the question of hair-dressing. Those on fashions in dress very usually add some remarks on any changes with reference to the coiffeur. In The Girl's Own Paper.—2. As to the dangerous attempt to give additional brightness to the eyes by artificial means, we greatly object to them. Some foolish, vain women, employ belladonna—a drug that extends the pupil and injures the eye. It should only be medically applied under a doctor's advice and direction for certain complaints, not for the purpose of temporarily enlarging the pupil. The eye is so delicate an organ, and sight so exceedingly precious, that no experiments by amateurs should be practised on it, especially for mere vanity' sake. We are always glad to hear from our foreign friends, even if not subscribers. Your English is excellent.
Joice M. (second letter).—The several precious stones that are said by the Poles to influence the twelve months of the year, respectively, are as follows:—Jan., a garnet, representing constancy; Feb., an amethyst, sincerity; March, jasper (or bloodstone), courage; April, a diamond, innocence; May, an emerald, success in love; June, agate, health and longevity; July, cornelian, content; August, sardony, conjugal felicity; Sept., chrysolite, antidote to insanity; Oct., opal, hope; Nov., topaz, fidelity; Dec., turquoise, prosperity. For this Polish rendering of the question we have the authority of Dr. Brewer.
Judic.—The jewellery distinguished as "rococo," is usually made up of several varieties of gems. Moorish decorations, and Watteau's paintings, are in this style; also in furniture, that of Louis XIV., which is highly gilded; and ormolu, are called "rococo." The term is of uncertain etymology. It prevailed more especially in France at the close of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, and was extended to architecture and landscape-gardening. In the former it is a debased style, which succeeded the revival of the Italian, and was very much in vogue in Germany.
S. E. H.—1. Yes, Charles Dickens did write a History of England designed for children.—2. Your handwriting is fairly good and very legible, though scarcely yet a "running hand."
Lulu.—There are classes held at least in three places in town for instruction in book-keeping, amongst other things, namely, at the College for Men and Women, 29, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, W.C.; apply to the secretary at the College for Working Women, 7, Fitzroy Street, W.; and at Birkbeck Literary and Scientific Institution, Bream's Buildings, Chancery Lane and Fetter Lane, E.C. Address the secretary. You might inquire respecting any book written on the subject at any of these places.
Miss M. Bannerman.—There is a Ladies' Art Work Depôt at 251, Brompton Road, S.W., address Lady Eden. There is another Work Society at 31, Sloane Street, President, H.R.H. the Princess Louise; and a third, Ladies' Work Society, of which the depôt is at 185, High Street, Kensington, Hon. Sec. Miss K. Ford, Rock Moor, Yelverton, R.S.O., Devon.
M. Orme and M. E. Morris.—There are certain questions that do not come within our province to answer. We regret we are unable to give you the answers you desire.