_To contract an Edge._ This may be done in dc, tc, or long tc. Twist the thread round the hook as often as required, insert it in the work, and half do a stitch. Instead of finishing it, twist the thread round again, until the same number of loops are on, and work a stitch entirely; so that, for two stitches, there is only one head. _To join on a Thread._ In joining, finish the stitch by drawing the new thread through, leaving two inches for both ends, which must be held in. _To use several Colors._ This is done in single crochet. Hold the threads not in use on the edge of the work, and work them in. Change the color by beginning the stitch in the old color and finishing it with the new, continuing the work with the latter holding in the old. If only one stitch is wanted in the new color, finish one stitch and begin the next with it; then change. _To "Purl" in Netting._ Bring your thread forward, and take up the inner side of the stitch, putting your needle downwards in the stitch instead of upwards, as you do in plain knitting. * * * * * PHILADELPHIA AGENCY. "W. J. M."--Cannot send the "Lady's Book" previous to January, 1851. Wish we had the eight years to send you. "Clara S."--Will find explanations of the abbreviations of crochet terms in this number; also March number, page 279; and in our May number we will give further directions. "L. M. H."--Sent you patterns by mail on 18th. "Miss A. R."--Sent your hair bracelet on the 18th. "Miss P. S."--Sent your ring and thimble on the 19th. "O. V. H."--Sent your gold pen on 19th. "B. A. C."--Sent the cap patterns by mail on 19th. "M. P. R." commits the common error of not dating letter nor giving place of residence. The postmark, like every other postmark, is illegible. One-half the letters we receive have the same omissions, giving us a great deal of trouble. We can supply the numbers; but how can we tell what the postage will be when we don't know their destination? The price of the numbers will be 25 cents. The communication was received too late for March number. "Miss E. P."--Sent your patterns on 20th. "Graduate" is informed that he had better advertise in the papers here for the situation he wants. There is no other way of procuring it. We have used the masculine in answering this, as "Graduate" omits letting us know whether we are addressed by a male or female. If a female, why not write the first name in full, or prefix Mrs. or Miss? "T. G. B."--Sent Rigolet by Adams's Express on 28th. "C. C. D."--Sent Odd Fellows' Regalia by Adams & Co. "Miss E. C. G."--Sent cotton on the 30th. "J. W. K."--Sent jet cross on 30th. "Miss C. R. L."--Sent apron pattern on the 2d. "M. R. E. P."--Sent jacquette pattern 4th. One of our subscribers wrote us upon the subject of cutting dresses by our patterns. We have mislaid the letter. Will she please write again? "Miss T."--Sent cotton by mail. The postage will be expensive; but cheaper than express.