l be answered promptly.

SIR KNIGHT ALFRED C. BAKER encloses two very pretty waterscapes,
and asks the cause of the black marks near the edge of one of the
pictures, and also asks to have the pictures criticised, both from
a technical and artistic point. The black spots, as far as can be
judged from the finished print, seems to be caused by scratches on
the film. If so, the print can be trimmed just enough to cut them
off from the picture. The print which is numbered 141 is the
better picture. It has more contrast of light and shade, the
perspective is better. The old log in the foreground and the
stretch of shore give the effect of distances which the other
picture lacks. Another thing which makes this picture more
attractive than the other is the slight ripple on the water. It
has the same effect as do clouds in the sky. If Sir Alfred will
study the two prints he will readily see what is meant. No. 140
would be improved if about half an inch of the foreground were
trimmed away. No. 141 would make a very nice platinum print or
plain-paper print.

THE BELLS OF NINE O'CLOCK.

Sleigh-bells in winter, ship's bells at sea,
Church bells on Sunday--oh! many bells there be--
But the cheery bells of nine o'clock
Are the merriest bells for me.

School bells at nine o'clock, and straightway the street
Breaks into music with the rush of little feet.
Clatter, patter, swift they go, wide stands the door,
School bells are ringing now, holidays are o'er.

Silver bells and golden bells, and bells with iron throats,
Cowslip bells and lily bells, and bells with tripping notes,
Oh! many bells and merry bells, and liquid bells there be,
But the sturdy bells of nine o'clock are the dearest bells for me.

M. E. S.

[Illustration: THE PUDDING STICK]

This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young
Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on
the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address
Editor.

What must I wear? is a question quite often on girlish lips, and a
girl's satisfaction with herself depends a good deal on the answer to
it. Nobody enjoys being badly or strikingly dressed, and in this matter
I am much of the opinion of Mrs. John Hancock, the great lady whose
husband's signature stands out so splendidly on our Declaration of
I