he
extent of five per cent., or more than two years, since the computation
made in Dr. Farr's life tables. The duration of life amongst women has
increased to a greater degree than that of men, and this may be
attributed to the greater attention paid to hygienic principles and the
new discoveries made in this direction.

LILY OF THE VALLEY.--Surround the plants with a circle of lime, and
water them with tobacco-juice. The latter must, of course, be well
washed before use. Handwriting not formed.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHER.--No, Robert Raikes was the originator of the
present organised system which obtains in England, and the idea
originated in his work amongst the criminals in prison, their early
religious instruction appearing to him the best preventive measure
towards ensuring their never becoming so fallen. But the Sunday
instruction of children dates back to about the year 1580, Cardinal St.
Charles Borromeo having introduced it at Milan, and in the following
century (1693) his example was followed by the Rev. Joseph Alleine; by
the Rev. David Blair, at Brechin, in about the year 1760. Then followed
the Rev. Theodore Lindsey, at Catterick, Yorkshire, about three years
later; and, lastly, and with a more perfect organisation, Robert Raikes,
the printer of Gloucester, with the co-operation of the Rev. Thomas
Stock, some seventeen years later. The Sunday School Union was founded
nine years before his death, in 1802.

SUNSHADE.--To work a flower upon a sunshade, you must unpick the
material from the frame sufficiently to iron the embroidery on the wrong
side when finished, otherwise the work will look pulled. We should
recommend white flowers, such as large daisies and Japanese anemones.
The sun fades coloured silks when worked in exposed places, and white
will always combine well with any other part of the dress.

MARGUERITA.--As you have left home to support yourself, you are no
longer chaperoned by your mother, and your position is quite changed.
You must now have a card to yourself, and if the persons on whom you
call be out, you may leave one or more as needed; but if your friends be
at home, do not on any account leave cards, but, if at home to you, go
in and see them.

[Illustration: ENGROSSED.]

MACRAME.--1. The rose-leaves designed for drying must be gathered on a
dry hot day and laid in the sun until they have shrivelled. They should
be placed in jars with dried lavender, cloves, woodruff leaves,
orris-roo