PART I.

The Temple.

MY DEAR DOROTHY.--You do not often favour me with your correspondence, so that I was particularly pleased and flattered by the receipt of your letter asking for my opinion, as a rising barrister, on the following important legal points, which I will now proceed to deal with. As you have approached me without the intervention of a solicitor, it may possibly gratify you to know that I am not entitled to make any charge (even were I disposed to do so) for my professional opinions. This statement will, I am sure, remove a great weight from your mind; but a truce to jesting, now to business.

In your first question you ask me to decide whether you or Mr. Anstruther were right on the question of paying excess fares on your return from the Crystal Palace the other evening.

So far as the arguments adduced on either side are concerned, I can tell you frankly that you were both wrong; but let me have the facts of the case clearly stated before me. It appears that Aunt Anne, Robert and yourself went down last Wednesday to the Crystal Palace, where you met Miss Anstruther and her brother; and I have no doubt enjoyed yourselves immensely, wandering through those lovely grounds, gazing at the antediluvian monsters on the lakes or listening to the bands in the rosary or on the terrace.

In my opinion the Crystal Palace is just the place to spend a happy day. This, however, is a digression.

Instead of dining at the Palace, Aunt Anne invited the Anstruthers to return to town with you and to take their chance of getting--what I from personal experience can vouch for as certain to have been--an excellent impromptu meal.

On the return journey--we are getting to the point at last--the tickets were collected at Battersea Bridge, your tickets were returns to Victoria, but the Anstruthers had returns to Clapham Junction only, and accordingly Mr. Anstruther was invited to pay excess fare on them.

As a matter of fact the price for a return ticket from Victoria to the Palace is exactly the same as a return from Clapham Junction to the Palace, and such being the case, you considered that the collector had no right to demand an excess fare on Mr. Anstruther's tickets. You were wrong. Mr. Anstruther, you say, paid the excess on the ground that it was merely a concession on the part of the Company to those booking at Victoria to charge them the same fare as those booking at Clapham Junction; this may or may not be the case, it is beside the question.

The matter is entirely one of contract between yourself and the Railway Company. They contract to carry you for a certain sum to a certain place; in your case it was from Victoria to the Palace and back, and in the case of Mr. Anstruther and his sister from Clapham Junction to the Palace and back. On their return, therefore, to Clapham Junction, the contract between themselves and the Railway Company was completed, and on their remaining in the train and travelling up to Victoria a new contract was commenced between themselves and the Company. Mr. Anstruther was right, therefore, in paying the excess demanded, although his reason for doing so was not the right one.

To turn to quite another matter, I see that you want my advice on a point in connection with bicycles. So you also have not escaped the cycling craze of the day. Oh, Dorothy, after this I shall not be surprised to hear that you have taken to golf!

I am very sorry that you should have been annoyed by the insolence of the cabman; I am afraid our London jehus are not called "growlers" without reason, and some of them are only too ready to take advantage of ladies, when travelling without male escort, to insult them with impunity.

In offering the man twopence extra for carrying your bicycle on his cab, Aunt Anne was paying him not only more than he deserved, but more than he was legally entitled to demand.

It may appear to be very ridiculous to the unlegal mind, such as yours, my dear Dorothy, but it has been decided by the London magistrates that a bicycle is not luggage.

The result of this decision is that a cabman is not entitled to charge anything extra for carrying a bicycle on his cab, unless he has previously made an arrangement with his fare.

This piece of legal information you might bear in mind and make use of on a future occasion; if, therefore, a cabman ever behaves rudely towards you again when you are paying him extra for carrying your bicycle, just give him his correct fare, and if he is troublesome, take his number and send it to your legal adviser, or, in other words, to

Your affectionate cousin, BOB BRIEFLESS.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

MEDICAL.

MARIAN.--So many different affections are included under the term "nervous disease of the heart," that it is quite impossible to say whether any one case is dangerous or not, without knowing for certain which of the various forms of "nervous heart" the patient suffers from. The commonest of these ailments is that arising from indigestion. It is also the least serious, for it is fairly easy to cure. It is impossible for us to tell what is the cause of your friend's illness without knowing more about her. You should have told us her age, which is a most important point in coming to a conclusion as to what is wrong with a patient. Some forms of "nervous heart" are very serious, but most kinds can be cured.

MAJORIE.--What you have got is, in all probability, merely a slight attack of chronic catarrh of the throat following upon an acute nasal catarrh. Get a spray and thoroughly spray out your throat three times daily with the following paint--solution of menthol in paroleine, sixty grains to the ounce. Take an astringent lozenge occasionally, and avoid highly spiced food. It is almost certain that your complaint will disappear within a few weeks.

MIGNON.--Of course quinine and iron made your indigestion worse. Both drugs are exceedingly indigestible, and should not be taken unless the stomach is in good condition. Your neuralgia is probably due partly to anæmia or indigestion, or both. You should therefore persist in your treatment of dyspepsia, the cure of which would do you much more good than quinine and iron ever could. Locally you might apply to the nerve a very small blister, or a liniment of soap and camphor. Menthol applied locally gives temporary relief. We think that caffeine would be the best drug for you to take internally. You can get tabloids of caffeine citrate (5 grs.), one of which may be taken when the pain is especially severe.

KATHERINE RUSSEL.--Yes; we advise you to obtain the advice of a specialist about your daughter's eyes. It is probably nothing very serious, but it ought to be seen to at once.

F. ROGERS.--Unfortunately, the physician mentioned by "Ada Wright" is no longer alive, so that we are afraid that we cannot help you.

SWEET BRIAR.--We do not think that there is anything seriously wrong with you, and there is no reason to alarm yourself with groundless fears. If, as you say, your health is good, you need not worry yourself about your neck. Follow the advice that we gave to "A Mother."

ANXIOUS ONE.--Use a hard, opaque toilet soap. Any of the really good soaps before the public (which are _not_ patent soaps) will suit you. The opinion held by many that, in scented soaps, the scent is added to cover the smell of bad fats, is not correct. Wash your face about once a week in borax and hot water (one teaspoonful of borax to a pint of water). Soft water is preferable to hard for washing purposes.

ARTHUR.--We advise you to give up tea entirely for a time, and to carefully attend to your digestion. You will find all about indigestion in the medical articles and correspondence in last year's GIRL'S OWN PAPER. Read the answer to "Fair Isobel," which appeared some months ago, and contained a long account of acne. We would however suggest ichthiol rather than sulphur ointment in your case. Otherwise, follow all the advice given in the above-mentioned answer. You are at the age for acne, and although it is sure to disappear in time, you will have to persevere in your treatment.

MARY NOBLE.--Undoubtedly you do suffer from chronic nasal catarrh. It is the rule for persons afflicted with this malady to be subject to constantly recurring attacks of acute inflammation of the nose. You must get the following powder made up and use it three or more times a day:--Chlorate of potash, bicarbonate of soda and borax, of each, one part; powdered white sugar, two parts. Dissolve one teaspoonful of the powder in half a tumbler of tepid water, and use it as a nose wash and gargle. Wash out your nose thoroughly with this lotion, and then apply the following paint with an "atomiser" or nasal spray--menthol in paroleine, sixty grains to the ounce.

FLUFF.--Wash your head in borax and water once a week, and then rub a little sulphur ointment into the roots of the hair. It is quite impossible for us to answer any correspondent in less than six weeks' time from receiving her letter. Often, at this time of the year, it is two or three months before a letter can be answered.

A READER.--See answer to "Fluff" for scurf on the head. Scurf on the face is usually secondary to that on the head. Apply sulphur ointment, made with lanoline, for a week or so. Be careful of the soap you use.

THROAT.--Catarrh of the throat is of course at the bottom of your trouble, and if we can cure this, we will probably at the same time improve your hearing. You should treat your throat in the same way that we advised "Mary Noble" to do. The great secret of success is to thoroughly and completely wash out the nose and throat while you are about it. We would advise you to syringe out your left ear to make certain that there is no wax there.

ST. CECILIA.--The reason why you so frequently suffer from "colds" is most probably because you are the subject of chronic nasal catarrh. Read the answer to "Mary Noble" above, and do the same as we advised her to do.

SYLVIA.--Inhalations of steam impregnated with medicinal substances are exceedingly useful, especially in bronchitis or catarrh of the throat. If you have an inhaler handy so much the better; if not, you can make an excellent inhaler out of a jug. Fill the jug or inhaler with hot water, add the drugs prescribed (most probably, compound tincture of benzoin or camphor), place your face over the jug, being careful not to scald yourself, and cover your head with a large dry towel, shrouding yourself with the jug beneath its folds. Inhale for about half an hour or less. Be very careful to keep out of draughts after inhaling. Very severe colds, if nothing worse, may occur from carelessness in this respect.

FAIR JAPAN.--No; it will do you no harm to ride a bicycle. If you sit well on the machine, and do not ride too fast, bicycling is a good and healthy exercise. All girls of thirteen and fourteen "grow very fast." We do not quite understand your second question--"When a girl leaves school, what science ought she to know best?" The only science commonly learnt at school is mathematics. If you want to know which science is the best to study after leaving school, it depends entirely upon yourself. That science in which you have greatest interest is the best to learn. Whatever science you take up, you must study for many years before you can become proficient in it.

STUDY AND STUDIO.

C. A. E.--We have read your rhymed fairy tale with interest. It is not, however, sufficiently good for publication. We will criticise any story you like to send, but it should be short. On the first page of _The Valour of Veramon_ a line ending with "deem" finds no rhyme, and on the last page:

"Their rescuer married one; the rest found husbands at his court,"

is a halting line. The verse does not run smoothly enough, and this from no fault of the "recurring letter S." We applaud, however, your choice of a fairy tale; it is a far better subject than sentimental woes and afflictions. You will find the rules in a recent number. We do not return MSS. unless a stamped envelope is sent for the purpose.

F. H.--We only accept the work of experienced writers for THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER. The sentiment of your elegy on Mr. Gladstone is excellent, but it is not very poetical. Your rhymes, however, are usually correct.

B. C. D. QUIXADA (S. Australia).--1. Your "lullaby" is irregular in metre. Such a poem should flow smoothly throughout. "The Orphan's Song" is also incorrect in metre. Every poem should have a certain metre in which it is written, the lines being of regulated lengths. You will observe that there are more syllables in

"Mother, mother you have left me"

than in

"Angels they will sing around,"

yet they are both "first lines."--2. We believe the sound in a shell held close to the ear is due to the imprisoned air. The same sound can be observed when the hand is curved over the ear.

ADELINA GRILLO.--You will ere this have seen your request in print, and we hope you have found a correspondent.

A READER OF THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.--Many thanks for your note. We will consider the point you raise.

MISS NELL.--1. "Thematic" means, connected with the theme; _e.g._, a _thematic_ catalogue of musical works is a catalogue in which the first few bars--the _theme_--of the whole work, or of each movement, is given. You can apply this explanation to the instances you give.--2. We do not wish to discourage you, but the "Associated Board" Examination you name, is not supposed to qualify for advanced teaching. If you pass in honours, it is of course more valuable. You could not expect a high salary with only this certificate, if, indeed, you could obtain a post as pianoforte teacher in a good school; but we cannot name any sum without more knowledge of your capabilities.

KATE CREGEEN.--1. Your quotation:--

"Because right is right, to follow right, Were wisdom in the scorn of consequence,"

is from Tennyson's _Ænone_.--2. Your writing is very good for a girl of sixteen. To improve it, never let yourself scribble or write carelessly, and copy any model you admire.

SWEET SULTAN.--Spenser's "Faerie Queen" is not to be had in nineteenth-century English, but it is easy to read and understand in its original form; and in the "Globe Edition" published by Macmillan & Co. at 3s. 6d., there is a glossary to explain the obscure words. You can also get some of the books with valuable notes in the Clarendon Press edition, published at 2s. 6d. the volume.

A. D. S.--We give the whole poem of which you quote two lines:--

TO DAY.

So here hath been dawning Another blue day: Think wilt thou let it Slip useless away?

Out of Eternity This new day is born, Into Eternity At night will return.

Behold it aforetime No eye ever did: So soon it forever From all eyes is hid.

Here hath been dawning Another blue day: Think wilt thou let it Slip useless away?

It is one of the few poems by Thomas Carlyle, and is to be found in his "Miscellaneous Essays."

A LOVER OF NATURE.--Your verses are correct in metre and rhyme. We cannot say that they are particularly original, for the same thought has been frequently expressed already; and there is nothing very poetical in them. But to write poetry is a difficult art. Many thanks for your kind little letter. We may add that we are pleased to know the beauty of June gives rise to the thoughts you embody in your lines.

"ONE WHO KNOWS" writes to correct a statement in a recent answer. "B. M." is the daughter of the late Dr. Miller of Rothesay, and her married name is Macandrew. ERIN kindly adds that her Christian name is Barbara.

ADELINA GRILLO (Italy).--Many thanks for your kind card and words of praise. We are glad you have found a correspondent.

IVY.--We are inserting your request. As to the delinquencies of your French correspondent in not writing oftener, we are unable to help you. It is not an unusual thing for correspondence to flag; but if you feel that "every three or four months" is not sufficiently often to receive a letter, the best way is to write a kind and pleasant note telling her so, and close the correspondence. We do not think it is worth while to be "annoyed" about the matter, as she may, owing to some change of circumstances, be quite unable to command her time.

OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.

"GÉNIE" writes to inform Lilian that the author of "The Mill will never grind with the water that has passed" is Sarah Doudney. The fourth verse is--

"Work while yet the daylight shines, Man of strength and will! Never does the streamlet glide Useless by the mill. Wait not till to-morrow's sun Beams upon thy way, All that thou canst call thine own Lies in thy 'to-day'; Power, and intellect, and health May not always last, 'The mill cannot grind With the water that is past.'"

"Génie" wishes to know if anyone can tell her the author of the hymn beginning, "The righteous dead--they dwell with God."

GUINFRID refers Mademoiselle Nemo to page 315, No. 164, February, 17th, 1883, of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.

CATHERINE M. ROBERTSON writes kindly sending "Adelaide" the poem she inquires for. It is by Mrs. Norton. We transcribe the first verse:--

THE KING OF DENMARK'S RIDE.

Word was brought to the Danish King (Hurry!) That the love of his heart lay suffering, And pined for the comfort his voice would bring; (Oh! ride as though you were flying!) Better he loves each golden curl On the brow of that Scandinavian girl, Than his rich crown jewels of ruby and pearl; And his Rose of the Isles is dying!

Doubtless the poem will be found in any collection of Mrs. Norton's works.

"A FAITHFUL FRIEND OF THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER" writes in reply to C. Pegler that "The Faithful Negro Boy" was a favourite poem of her own as a child, and appeared in _My Little Friend_ for August, 1876. If C. Pegler will forward her address to Miss L. S. Coleby, 6, Brunswick Terrace, Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, she will receive a copy.

"YUM-YUM" is very anxious to know who is the author of the following lines:--

"If you are tempted to reveal A tale someone to you has told About another, make it pass, Before you speak, three gates of gold. Three narrow gates, first, "Is it true?" Then, "Is it needful" in your mind, Give truthful answer, and the next Is last and narrowest, "Is it kind"? And if to reach your lips at last It passes through these gateways three, Then you may tell the tale, nor fear What the result of speech may be."

INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.

MISS EDYTH K. STEER, Grove House, Evesham, Worcestershire, wishes to correspond with an educated French girl. She suggests that each should write in the other's language and that the letters should be returned, corrected, to the sender. Any French girl correspondent would find Miss Steer's writing exquisitely clear, and her letters well composed.

CISSIE had better send her full address and further particulars, as her letter is somewhat vague.

LILIAN DOUGLAS, 32, Medina Road, Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury, London, would like to correspond with either P. or H. Pierson, the Dutch girls who asked for correspondents. She is, however, not yet twelve years old, and cannot write in French.

MISS FRANÇOIS, à Auzier (Nord) France, being a French girl of eighteen, and a collector of stamps, would be most pleased to correspond in English with girls living in New Zealand, New South Wales, or other foreign countries, who also collect stamps. She, will send twenty-five or fifty French stamps in exchange for the same number of Australia, Asiatic or African stamps.

MISS MARGARET E. WESTLAKE, 40, Union Street, Plymouth, would much like to have letters from, and write to, a French girl.

E. B., The Limes, Berners Street, Ipswich, aged 20, would like to correspond with a French girl.

"IVY" would like a young lady of the same age (21) interested in painting, to correspond with her. She thinks they might be of use to one another in lending studies and suggesting new ideas.

MISCELLANEOUS.

DAFFY-DOWN-DILLY.--The pronunciation of surnames is often so arbitrary and contrary to ordinary rules that, excepting in well-known names, such as Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley), Leveson-Gower (pronounced Luson-Gore), Marjoribanks (Marchbanks), and others, you should obtain your information from one of the family. In the case of the name "Haworth," we should be disposed to pronounce it as in Ha-therton, certainly not "Horth." We know little about the town of that name in the W. R. of Yorkshire. It has a population of about 3820. Charlotte Brontë's father was rector of the parish, and she married his curate, and died in March 1855.

LOVER OF THE "G.O.P." (Northampton).--The story called "Robina Crusoe," which appeared in serial form, can only be had in our magazine. It has not been re-published apart from it. If you write to our publisher (56, Paternoster Row, E.C.) and request him to send you the numbers that contain it, naming the year in which it appeared, and enclose the money due for them, he will send them to you. Should you send the exact days, he would supply the weekly numbers, instead of the monthly ones, which would cost you much less.

TIBBIE.--If accompanied by your sisters (or one at least) you need feel no scruple in accepting the rector's Sunday hospitality, as you are helping his services by playing the organ.

POMPEY inquires whether the modern Romans wear the same picturesque flowing robes at the present day that were worn at the time of Christ? There is no difference between their dress and that of the rest of Europe. As to the history of Rome and its ancient buildings and churches, there is a new book called _Mediæval and Ecclesiastical Rome_, published by Black. The first volume might add something to the information you say you have obtained in _The Story of the Nations_ series, _The Last Days of Pompeii_, and a few others--which you do not specify. The book we name is reputed to be an excellent, and very exhaustive guide-book, and the best yet written.

JOICE M.--We recommend you to get a little book on _Leather Work_, by Rosa Baughan (Gill: 17, Strand, W.C.). This will give you all the direction you can require.

JANIE.--The term "Black Letter," as used in reference to printing, only means what we call "Old English" type, which is often used on visiting cards. But old books, such as that interesting historical chronicle of current events, by Stowe, is all printed in that type, and in the spelling of that century. It is known elsewhere as the "Flemish, or German type." Ancient illuminated missals, such as those exhibited in the British Museum, are in "Black Letter," and most beautifully written by pen in this style of lettering.

LILY.--Nothing is known of Jannes and Jambres, named by St. Paul in 2 Timothy iii. 8, beyond the fact that they existed, and withstood Moses before Pharaoh--statements of divine authority. But, according to very ancient tradition, they were two sons of the rebel, Balaam--who died fighting against Israel--and, furthermore, that no real miracle was wrought by them, but that they practised mere jugglery. The name "Jerusalem," means "the City of Peace," though its history shows the name very inapplicable. It was the site of the stronghold Jebus, taken from the native tribe, and made that of the Israelitish capital. The ancient name was revived by David, for a cuneiform tablet found at Tel-el-Amarna (in 1890), written centuries before the Hebrew conquest, appears to refer to that place under the form of Urusalem. Our authority is that of Robert Anderson, whose interesting work on _Extinct Civilisation_ is worth your study.

AMY.--You seem to have overlooked our many advertisements of the _Asile des Billodes_, C. de Neuchâtel. If you look through old numbers of the "G.O.P.," you will find them in the answers to correspondents. Some of our earliest writers for this magazine have been taking out stamps for the institution for many years past, every year, in large quantities.

GEORGIE.--The colour of the Red Sea is due to a thin brick-dust layer of infusoria, which is slightly tinged with an orange hue. The water placed in a white glass bottle is changed to a deep violet, but the surface of the sea shows a brilliant rose colour.

C. M. C.--It is the duty of the clergyman to call on all his parishioners, but this is almost impossible in extensive, closely populated parishes. Of course, if attending the services of a church not in his parish, he can know nothing about you. Should you desire work under him, you only have to call at the vestry and offer your services, telling him that you attend his church.

MIMOSA.--You could not call on your intended husband, unless with your mother as a chaperon, as you say he has no lady relative living with him.

NARCISSUS.--The plural of the name you have adopted is "Narcissi."

DAY-BOOTS.--1. A cane is only an adjunct to the military uniform. A man when well dressed in civilian style always carries a stick or an umbrella, and the latter would be quite unsuited for military dress--and most men would look awkward had they no use for either hand.--2. In striking a light you produce combustion, which makes a noise.

THINGS IN SEASON, IN MARKET, AND KITCHEN.

NOVEMBER.

November is one of our months of plenty, and a walk round the great wholesale provision markets gives us a very bright picture. However gloomy the weather may be outside, there is "good cheer" abounding here. We have game and poultry in abundance and just in their prime; the bag that sportsmen take delight in filling is here emptied for the benefit of those who rarely or never breathe the air of the moors where the birds flourished so happily. Rabbits and hares, once so fleet of foot, hang limply from every available hook, and even the barn-door fowl is a finer specimen than earlier in the season, while geese, turkeys, and Surrey capons tempt their purchase, whether we intended it or not.

* * * * *

Freshwater fish appear among their sea-born brethren, and help in giving us variety. Of fruits and nuts we have large choice, and the ripe grains and pulse foods are all garnered, while most of the root vegetables are ready too. Of a truth at this time of the year there is no lack of food stuffs.

* * * * *

Neither is there any lack of other material wherewith to make our tables gay. Dahlias and chrysanthemums, rich foliage, hedgerow gleanings and late grasses, these will stay with us until close upon Christmas, if we take the precaution of sheltering our plants from frost, and of drying our leaves, giving a touch of gum to either flower or leaf, when we see one that is inclined to fall.

* * * * *

None who are able to cultivate a flowering plant, or to take a walk on to a piece of waste land or in a lane, need ever plead excuse for an ungarnished table, and much pleasure is missed by those who think the table can do as well without garnishing as with it, providing there be plenty of good food upon it. We are not of their opinion. "A table well-set is half spread." Care in pleasing the eye will do a vast deal towards aiding good digestion.

* * * * *

Let us look more particularly at what we might call the distinctive features of the month's provisions. Pike and tench among the freshwater fish, before mentioned; oysters, skate, and gurnet among the ordinary. Grouse, snipe, teal, pheasants, hares, and rabbits, also venison amongst game; while geese and turkeys are rapidly advancing in size and quality.

* * * * *

Celery is fast getting to perfection, Scotch kale is fine, so are savoys and salsify.

* * * * *

Chestnuts, filberts, walnuts, figs, and grapes, in addition to the grand autumn wealth of pears, apples, quinces, and golden oranges, not to mention the preserved fruits which are just beginning to be shown in the windows.

* * * * *

What we will call our characteristic menu of the month ought, then, to be an easy one to compile. We give an alternative one for those who may find themselves unable to provide the first-named.

* * * * *

MENUS.

Let us take for soup: A _purée_ of chestnuts, or cream of celery.

For our fish course: Skate _à la crème_, or baked tench.

For an _entrée_: Baked ham with wine sauce, or curried rabbit.

For a roast: Wild duck and orange sauce, or roast pheasant and fried potatoes.

As an _entremet_: Scalloped salsify, or Jerusalem artichokes.

As a sweet: Apple mirotons and quince jelly.

* * * * *

The recipe for chestnut soup has been given in these columns before. To recapitulate it as briefly as possible is to remind our readers that the chestnuts must be first boiled until the husk and peel can be easily removed, and then to boil them again with minced onion, a few herbs, a carrot, and an ounce or more of butter, and sufficient water to just cover them. This should afterwards be rubbed through a sieve until a _purée_ is obtained, a pint of boiling milk added, and a teaspoonful of cornflour (previously wetted) stirred in to thicken it. Boil up once more, then serve at once. It should be of the consistency of cream.

* * * * *

Cream of celery soup is made by stewing a couple of heads of celery, cut fine, with one or two onions and any garden herbs in a little water until thoroughly soft, then rubbing all through a sieve, adding sufficient milk to make up the requisite quantity, a spoonful of cornflour to thicken, seasoning, butter, and after this has boiled add a little cream and a few croutons of fried bread.

* * * * *

Skate is a cheap fish and one that is somewhat despised in our country, abroad it is better understood. Young skate are called ray or maids, and their flesh is very delicate. Skate is improved by being kept for a day or two in cold weather. Cut it into neat pieces and simmer in white sauce until done, then lay the pieces on a hot dish, sprinkle crumbs and a little grated cheese over with a touch of cayenne pepper, and let them slightly brown in the oven, then pour the sauce around the fish. Serve very hot.

* * * * *

Tench, being a pond-fish, and apt to have a slightly muddy flavour, should lie in salt water for a few hours. Rub it all over with lemon-juice, put it into a tin with one or two minced shalots, some parsley, crumbs, and a little dab of butter, and bake for half an hour or more if the fish is large. Serve in the same dish.

* * * * *

A rabbit jointed and cooked slowly in good gravy made from stock thickened and flavoured with a spoonful of curry-paste or powder, onions and any other vegetable liked, seasoning and a _soupçon_ of vinegar, makes a delicious variation from the more ordinary stew of rabbit. Serve boiled rice in a separate dish.

* * * * *

Orange sauce, or an orange salad, is the correct accompaniment to roast wild duck. For the sauce: Squeeze the juice of three or four oranges and stir in a teaspoonful of arrowroot to thicken; add a little sugar if liked. Wild duck requires a quick hot oven, but should not remain in it more than three-quarters of an hour, as the gravy should run from it as from a rump steak. Serve fried potatoes and browned crumbs with this as with the roast pheasant; the garnish for the duck would be a lemon cut in quarters, for the pheasant the crumbs are sufficient.

* * * * *

Those who possess a few scallop-shells or the little fire-proof chinaware ramequin pans will find no difficulty in making use of salsify, and this, one of our daintiest, is one of our least-known vegetables. The roots require scraping, then boiling in salt water until they are tender enough to mash, adding then pepper, butter, and a beaten egg. Fill the pans and sprinkle crumbs on the top, then bake in a quick oven till slightly browned.

* * * * *

For a miroton of apples: Pare and core without dividing six or eight good-sized apples; cut them in slices to form rings. Place in a saucepan a piece of butter the size of an egg, a quarter of a pound of sugar, some grated lemon-rind and the juice. Simmer the apples in this, and when tender arrange them in the centre of a dish, and when cool garnish with spoonfuls of quince jelly. A little cream might be poured around the base. Or the apples might be left whole and steamed, then coated with the jelly, the place of the core being filled up with whipped cream, and the dish garnished according to fancy.

* * * * *

As in summer-time we arrange our dishes for cool effects, so in winter months we may try to make as much contrast of bright colour as possible. All these things are worth studying, for it is in such details that the hand of the true culinary artist is shown.