STAVESACRE.--We are thoroughly aware that this drug is used to destroy lice in the hair. It is not a drug which we would advise anyone to use. It is a violent poison, and in our experience it does not do what it is intended to do.
MIMOSA.--1. It is hardly correct to say that "nearly every girl is anæmic." A great many girls do suffer from that malady, but "nearly every girl" is an exaggeration. We do not think that anæmia is on the increase, if you take into consideration the conditions under which girls live. Anæmia is always much more prevalent in cities than it is in small towns and villages. Consequently, as our towns grow larger, a greater number of girls get anæmia. In London we think that anæmia is slightly less common than it was formerly.--2. In severe anæmia the legs very often do swell. In the slighter grades of the affection they only swell after severe exertion.
FOND MOTHER.--There are few places in the world more deadly to Europeans than the Gold Coast. If you can possibly prevent your son from going to such an unhealthy place we strongly advise you to do so. Very few Europeans who have set foot upon "The White Man's Grave" recover their health when they return home. And it is but a small number that ever do return.
PURE WATER.--You say that you have a porcelain filter. Do you mean a charcoal filter in a porcelain jar, that is, a cottage filter? or do you mean a filter in which the water is forced through porcelain? The latter kind of filter is thoroughly efficient. The former kind is far worse than useless. The question of the use and abuse of filters has been considered by two commissions. The latest commission was held last year. It dealt chiefly with the value of the pocket filters used by British soldiers. The report was very condemnatory.
BEN BOLT.--1. We smiled at your amusing French-English letter, but we can inform you that we only criticise the handwriting of our correspondents when we have been asked to do so. The request very usually accompanies the MSS. sent to us.--2. There is certainly room for improvement in your English prose, but we should judge you quite capable of making yourself competent to undertake translations.
MISS HATHWAY, whose society we have frequently mentioned, writes to say that her address is now Chambers' Library, Wokingham. Her "Excelsior Literary Club" for essays, stories, research, subjects of discussion, with criticism and prizes, originated in 1877. The second term of her classes for English subjects, French, and Italian, is now beginning. Terms (moderate) on application, with stamp for reply.