ERA.—­The signification of the bee appearing on the monument of the Prince Imperial, is that the French royal mantle and standard were thickly sown with golden bees instead of “Louis flowers” or Fleurs de lys.  The origin dates back to the time of the early Egyptians, who symbolised their kings under this emblem, the honey indicating the reward they gave to the well-doers, and the sting the punishment they inflicted on the evil.  More than 300 golden bees were found in the tomb of Childeric, A.D. 1653.  Offer your song to some composer.  Sometimes they are in request; more frequently there are more offered than are required.  All depends on the fancy of the composer.  Only two questions are allowed, and the answers given at the discretion of the Editor.  We regret that you have been disappointed.

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CISSIE.—­You cannot interfere with the laudable work of the rector in building a school-house for the use of his parishioners; it is his duty.  But the parents of the children will have the right of choice between this school and your private one.  Mourning for a parent lasts a year; but you are free to wear it longer if you like.

WINNIE E. L.—­You should consult a doctor.  We cannot usurp his place, though we are always willing to give sensible advice on hygienic and sanitary matters.

POLLY and OTHERS.—­The measurements of a classic figure, as given on authority, are:  height, 5 feet 41/2 inches; bust, 32 inches; waist, 24 inches; 9 inches from under the arm to the waist, with long arms and neck.  The proportions of a larger and more stately woman or girl would be:  height, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches; bust, 36 inches; waist 261/2 inches; hips 35 inches; thick part of arm, 111/2 inches; wrist, 61/2 inches.  The hands and feet should not be too small.  “Polly” will see that no arrangements are made by judges of true beauty and its lines for waists of 15 or 16 inches.  They are simply deformities.

BUDDIE.—­The book was published anonymously.

C. B. GLOUCESTER.—­Easter Day fell on the 25th March, in 1546, 1641, 1736, 1886, and will fall next time in 1943.  Tram, used as a prefix to way and road, is the last syllable of the name of their inventor, Mr. Benjamin Outram, who in 1800 made improvements in the system of railways for common roads, then in use in the North of England.  The first iron tramroad from Croydon to Wandsworth was completed July 24th, 1801.  Mr. Outram was the father of the celebrated Indian general, Sir James Outram.

WILD HYACINTH.—­We know of nothing save to benefit your general health.  The intense perspiration is evidently an effort of nature.  Do you take a tepid bath every morning, and as much exercise as possible?  You have doubtless received your book.

R. H. P.—­We do not think cold and haughty people are at all nice, nor do we think they could be happy themselves, or make others happy.  The Christian ideal is neither coldness nor haughtiness, but sympathy and love.  You must take care of those long tails at the end of your words in writing.  Better tie them up as the Dutch farmers do the tails of their cows.  They are in writing ugly and useless appendages.