A little caution about fans. Don't fan so vigorously that you put yourself into a heat by the exertion. Never fan the back of your friend's neck if you are sitting behind her. Fan with a gentle steady motion, so that waves of air strike your own face, but not so that you send icy shivers down your neighbor's spine. On a very sultry day nothing is gained by drinking a great deal of ice-water. The more one drinks, the more thirsty one grows. A little water held in the mouth a moment, and allowed to trickle slowly down the throat, will relieve thirst more effectually than a gobletful hastily tossed off. I wonder if my girls are careful, in these sultry days, of the comfort of their pets? The dog and cat grow thirsty, and cannot help themselves, as we can. The little singing-bird droops if it has not fresh water for its bath and in its drinking-cup. Pets are a dear delight, but they must be looked after every day, and whoever undertakes the responsibility of making their little lives happy must have them on her mind. It is surprising to watch the growth of intelligence in birds when they are daily and lovingly cared for. Of course we expect intelligence in the dog and the cat, but the bird seems less responsive; yet nobody who loves a canary or a parrot, or any other caged though contented captive, will fail to see its wonderful powers if it is cared for gently. The question comes up every summer, how shall we best keep our homes cool during the sultry part of the day? Shall we close them and shut out the heat, or simply darken them and allow the air to come in? My way has been to open every window, both at the top and at the bottom, early in the morning, flooding the house with the sweet cool air. Then, about ten o'clock, or earlier, close the windows, except for a few inches at the bottom, and fasten shutters and blinds so that they will not fly open. Darken every room which you are not using until the sun goes down. But do not sit to read, sew, or practise in the dark. Your eyes need plenty of light. When you go into the darkened rooms, do so to rest, not to work. Lottie and Carrie ask if I like flowers on the table. Why, certainly. Flowers should always form a part of the table decoration, and one does not need a great many. A few roses in a bowl, a bunch of white pinks with some green leaves, daisies with their glory of white and gold, ferns, whatever you can most conveniently obtain at the moment, will adorn your table well. Only bear in mind that withering, dying flowers are an offence, and not a pleasure. You must have your flowers fresh every day, and the daughter of the house is the one who should attend to this, relieving her mother of every thought on the subject. MARGARET E. SANGSTER. * * * * * That Fatal Letter.