The first thing that a woman should consider in preparing for the great work, her toilette, is the shape of her head, which she must also compare with her stature. The art of dressing the head and the art of fashion are connected without being identical, and in spite of their close union we can readily distinguish them. Whatever may be the material, it is important not to forget that variety is the enemy of severity. A single color freely used by itself would be more severe than several colors. Let there be no mistake: there are many things in the bonnet which do not depend upon fashion, which are released from its absolute yet limited control. We must be clearly understood: the suitableness of a bonnet may vary. A bonnet which would appear smart in the city may be elegant and suitable for the country or for the sea-side, provided the rest of the dress is in keeping. At such times a little liberty is allowable. Flowers have a great deal of character, also feathers, ribbons, lace, and gauze. It is only a slight thread that connects these with our feelings, but that slight thread is never broken. In closing with these few suggestions, it would be well to remark that it is very important when ladies are making their selections for head-dress, and are not fully decided in their wants, it is generally well to yield to the judgment of those who make it a study, providing they are sure that they are in the hands of such of experience. An observing person, in attending our fashionable churches, operas, or even promenading the streets, cannot fail to notice how comparatively small the number of ladies who wear a suitable and becoming style head-dress. It has often been remarked by some of our leading modistes, that only one lady in twenty has the head becomingly dressed, showing that in selecting they have not studied their complexion, stature, and general style, when the expense would really have been no greater had they done so. So the multitude goes, like the flower or weed That withers away to let others succeed; So the multitude comes, even those we behold, To repeat every tale that has often been told. LATER. One of God’s eternal laws is that nothing stands still. A nation is always changing for better or worse. A people either marches towards perfection or retrogrades. Every bud that blossoms seemingly throws out some new delicate fragrance; every day, every hour, something new and startling falls upon the ear. Every fresh thought that rushes into the mind of the inventor marches with electric speed to further development. Those who have carefully studied the subject of this work well know what grand and noble strides fashion has taken towards perfection, without reaching it, however, as the result of one day’s delay in going to press necessitates a still later style. (See following page.) Another thought, another stride, another whim! Fashion! O fashion! where wilt thou end? [Illustration] [Illustration]