t, and fitted with ribs and a spring which close the mouth of
the pocket at all times.

For the side pockets of coats it would seem to be a most desirable
invention, and for the pockets of skirts it seems the thing that we have
been looking for.

Every young girl knows how inconvenient it is to have no pocket in her
gown, and she also knows how strongly the dressmakers protest against
putting one in, because it is sure to gape open and look ugly.

With the self-closing protector the pocket would always be kept closed,
and if ladies can only persuade their dressmakers to use this new
invention, there is no reason why they should not once more have the
comfort and luxury of pockets in their gowns.

DEVICE FOR PLACING OR REMOVING PICTURE-HOOKS.

The spring-time, when half the world is moving, and the other half
house-cleaning, seems a very happy time for introducing the above
invention.

It is an arrangement attached to a long pole, and it is to be used to
place or remove picture-hooks and pictures.

The hooks are caught and held firmly by the two arms which project from
the device. They can then be lifted off the moulding without difficulty.

In the same manner the arms can be slipped under the wires of pictures,
which can thus be easily taken down.

This lifter will save many a climb of the step-ladder, besides doing the
work of hanging and removing pictures in one-half the time.

There is a new machine made for sharpening scissors.

The blades to be sharpened are passed through an opening in the side of
the machine, and are brought in contact with a bar, which is made of
emery or other sharpening material.

The bar is adjusted with springs which move back and forth with the
pressure of the blade, in such manner that a very fine edge can be put
on the metal to be sharpened. G.H.R.

LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

DEAR EDITOR:

Mother and I have been reading THE GREAT ROUND WORLD all winter and
have enjoyed it so much. I think it is a very valuable little
magazine, you make everything seem so interesting. Halifax is
rather a quaint city. It is noted for its beautiful scenery, fine
harbor, park, and public gardens. It is an ideal place to spend the
hot summer months in, and American tourists are learning more about
us every year. A little girl visiting here from Boston last summer
was asked one morning if she should like to go to the