Canary.—1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning will improve the form of your back and shoulders. The dumb-bells should be made of wood and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy bell exercise is very dangerous. It has always been considered beautiful for women to possess broad hips.—2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents call themselves "constant readers"? Perhaps it is that they think that by using that pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps it is merely from lack of sufficient imagination to think of some phrase less commonplace.
E. M. Walker.—Cinnamon is more at home in the pantry than in pharmacy. The only medicinal action it possesses is that of all aromatic substances. It is occasionally used as a stomachic, but its chief use is for flavouring. Sometimes it is given for diarrhœa as it is a mild astringent. Cinnamon has no action on cancer, neither has any drug the slightest effect upon the course of this disease. Indeed one might put down the medicinal action of cinnamon at zero.
Mabel B.—It is not at all uncommon for the hair to fall out after a severe illness. It is, however, rare for permanent baldness to result. Usually after combing out in large quantities for some weeks or months the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again. A mildly stimulating hair-wash is often useful in these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or rosemary hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether taking cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your hair, but it might help to restore your strength.
Florrie.—1. We know of no recipe which will remove hairs from the face without doing serious damage to the skin at the same time.—2. Try sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face powder.
Helena.—Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The Laws of Libel prevent us from giving you our opinion on the preparation which you mention. We are allowed, however, to warn you to have nothing to do with any patent medicine of which you do not know the composition. It has not been our experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes the hair grow quickly.
STUDY AND STUDIO.
Irish May Flower.—It is rather difficult to dispose of such sketches as you describe. We should suggest that you took them to any picture dealer in your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell them for you. Or you might write to the Irish Ladies' Work Society, 47, George Street, Kingstown, inquiring if that would be of any use to you.
Mabel Entwistle.—We are very glad that you have been enabled through our means "to make the acquaintance of two extremely nice French girls." Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite, and has a character of its own. If we gave any hint for its improvement, it would be to avoid the lapses in the middle of a word, making the writing flow consecutively.
La Petite Violette.—We have not forgotten you, and are very glad you have taken up some special study. We have placed your request in "Our Open Letter Box."
Wild Rose.—1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's In Memoriam, xxvii., stanza 4.