55. Who was the religious poet so beloved by the parish of which he was rector that many of his parishioners would stop their ploughs when his bell rang for prayers that they might offer their devotions to God with him?
56. How did the leek come to be the emblem of Wales?
57. What famous outlaw has a conspicuous place in ballad literature?
58. Where can a married couple, after a twelvemonth of matrimony, lay claim to a flitch of bacon after proving that, during the whole time, they have never had a quarrel and never regretted the marriage?
59. Has anyone ever tried to count the stars?
60. What English earl once got a box on the ear from a great queen?
The answers to the above questions, Nos. 49-60, together with the answers to questions 61-72, which are yet to appear, must be sent in on or before February 24, 1899.
Address to THE EDITOR, THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER OFFICE, 56, Paternoster Row, London, E.C., and at the left-hand top corner of the envelope or wrapper write the words "QUESTIONS COMPETITION."
[Illustration: PRINCESS DRESS OF BROWN CLOTH.]
The first thing on my list with which I must deal is the recent meeting of the Amateur Swimming Association, at which the vexed question of a regulation dress for the women members was discussed; and there is a good chance that it will be wisely and properly decided, so that there will be a regular uniform dress in future, and all misunderstanding will be avoided. The material to which the lady delegates appear to have given in their adhesion, is stockingette; which they consider superior in every way to serge, flannel, silk, or merino. A model costume made of it, shown by the Birmingham Ladies Club, was so much approved of by the large assembly of ladies present, that it was adopted as a guide, the fullest liberty as to trimmings being given, while only three colours were allowed, viz., navy blue, red, and black. The Birmingham costume had flat facings of Turkey-red twill, but of course it is open to any club to select their own colours. It buttoned on the shoulders, and by means of gussets under the arms a short sleeve was formed. The great recommendation, however, was its cheapness, as it was announced that it could be produced in quantities of not less than one dozen at a fraction over two shillings each, in the various sizes required by the wearers. Of course, where there are so many working women's clubs, this question of cost is a grave consideration. The costume finally recommended was much on this Birmingham model. With the additional advice that "it should reach, at least, to within three inches from the knee," should be cut square at the neck, and button on the shoulder, where it must be not less than three inches in width, and where it must be shaped to the arm beneath, so as to form a short sleeve.