Another simple and practical way of doing it would be, if the skirt is quite plain, to lift it well from the top, and set it neatly on to a band, so making the skirt shorter as well as fuller. Eight inches is not considered too short for present wear, though personally I think six inches a more graceful length. However, do not be tempted to wear a very short skirt unless you are the possessor of well-shaped feet and ankles.--_The Woman's Magazine_. But what about knees? * * * * * A Babu's letter of excuse:-- "Sir,--As my wife's temper is not well since last night, on account of that I am unable to attend office to-day. Kindly excuse my absence and grant me one day's causual leave." In the circumstances Caudle leave would have been a happier form of holiday. * * * * * HOW TO GET UP A HOLY WAR (German Style). [The Special Correspondent of _The Times_ at Salonica states that "among the documents examined at the Consulate of his Catholic and Apostolic Majesty of Austria are 1,500 copies of a long proclamation in Arabic to the Chiefs of the Senussis, inciting them to a Holy War on non-Germanic Christendom." The proclamation purports to be composed by one of the Faithful, but "its pseudo-Oriental wording clearly betrays its Germanic authorship."] In Allah's name, Senussis! Allah's name! Please note the Holy War that we proclaim! High at the main we hoist our sacred banner (Forgive my pseudo-Oriental manner); For now the psychologic _Tag_ has come To put the final lid on Christendom, Always excepting that peculiar part Which has the hopes of Musulmans at heart. For lo! this noble race (its Chief has said it; Else would it seem almost too good to credit), Prompted by generous instincts, undertakes To waive its scruples and for your sweet sakes, Indifferent to private gain or loss, To help the Crescent overthrow the Cross. Christians they are, I own, this Teuton tribe, Yet not too Christian. I could here inscribe A tale of feats performed with pious hands On those who crossed their path in Christian lands Which, even where Armenia kissed his rod, Would put to shame The Very Shadow of God. You must not therefore feel a pained surprise At having Christian dogs for your allies; For there are dogs _and_ dogs; and, though the base Bull terrier irks you, 'tis a different case When gentle dachshunds jump to your embrace. If crudely you remark: "A holy win May suit our friends, but where do we come in?" My answer is: "Apart from any boom Islam secures by sealing England's doom, We shall, if we survive the coming clash, Collect papyrus notes in lieu of cash; And, if we perish, as we may indeed, We have a goodly future guaranteed, With houris waiting in Valhalla's pile" (Pardon my pseudo-Oriental style).