Wheelbarrow.—If you write to the office of The Boy’s Own Paper, 56, Paternoster Row, we believe you will find that a chart of the colours peculiar to the different colleges of each University has been published. At all events, we refer you to the Editor.
Topsy.—We should prefer the Senior Cambridge and the Cambridge Higher Local out of the four examinations you mention.
In our September part we informed Ruby that the couplet
“Crabbed age and youth
Cannot live together.”
was from “The Passionate Pilgrim,” by Shakespeare. In so saying we handed on the information of three recognised authorities on “quotations,” and observed that “The Passionate Pilgrim” appears without note or comment in numerous editions of Shakespeare’s works. “The Passionate Pilgrim,” a miscellany of twenty “Songs and Sonnets,” was first published in 1599, and the words “By W. Shakespeare” are on the title pages of the 1599 and 1612 editions; but of the twenty poems only five are certainly by Shakespeare, and the poem in question (No. xii. of the series) is not one of these. Its author, in fact, is unknown, although it appears now, and appeared three centuries ago, under Shakespeare’s name.
Wild Rose.—1. In bar seven of your composition you have the second inversion of a chord, which should not be followed by the first inversion of another chord. It is, however, an interesting attempt, and we should urge you to persevere.—2. Your writing is rather too small and crabbed, and seems to us as though in childhood you had not learned to “turn” your letters well. Copy any model you admire, and you will soon improve.
Donovan and Tilly Whim.—We can direct you to three amateur reading societies, mentioned in this column during the past year or so, but can take no responsibility whatever with regard to them. Address—The Half Hour Reading Society, 2, Headingley Terrace, Headingley, Leeds; The Queen Reading Society, secretary, Miss Isabel G. Kent, Lay Rectory, Little Abington, Cambridge; Miss E. L. Tangye, The Elms, Redruth, Cornwall. The National Home Reading Union, Surrey House, Victoria Embankment, is being continually recommended by us.
Sister Harriet.—Your most satisfactory plan is to write to the publisher of the books you name, asking your questions, and enclosing a stamped envelope for reply. Unless the authoress objects to the particulars being known, you are sure to receive an answer.
Anonymous.—You give no name nor pseudonym in your inquiry about the Civil Service.