“A BOTHERING GIRL.”—The books of Esdras are in the collection called the “Apocrypha,” and this may be had from any library. These books are not inspired, though much that is good is to be found in them, together with curious fables and traditions. The books of the Maccabees are much thought of as historical works of great antiquity. A list of the canonical books of both the Old and the New Testaments is to be found in all Bibles, and that of the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah is included amongst them. EMMA.—The reason that some words are printed in italics in the Bible is simply this: that there are no corresponding words in the original language from which the translation was made; but the English words supplied were necessary to give the meaning, which could not be understood without them. Perhaps when we give the following example you will understand what we mean. We all know what is meant when people say, “How do you do?” but translate it into French, word for word, and the meaning would be lost. DEARIE should learn to spell better. She speaks of the word “desert,” which denotes a barren, uncultivated waste of arid sandy land, but by which she says she means the last course at dinner, that of fruit, ice, and sweetmeats. Now this course is called “dessert,” and the emphasis in its pronunciation is placed on the second syllable, and as if spelt with a “z” (“de-zert”), whereas in the word “desert” it is on the first, as “dez-ert.” “Bivouac” is pronounced as “biv-oo-ak.” Her writing is very pretty, and we thank her for her kind letter. ANGLICAN CATHOLIC.—We do not give private addresses. St. Augustine was sent over to this country by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, Christianity having been nearly exterminated by the invasions with which it was so terribly harassed. He found a Christian church at Canterbury (St. Martin’s), where Queen Bertha worshipped, having Luithard as her priest and director. She was a French princess, and brought him over with her. At that early time the Roman Church had not evolved nor promulgated many of her modern dogmas. MARY M.—It is not essential that you should send your address in writing to the Editor, as in many cases it might hinder the expression, feelings, and difficulties with the full freedom necessary to ensure satisfactory advice. EDMUNDA YORKE.—You had better write and tell him that, having so forgotten himself and taken undue advantage of the intimacy involved in the relations between a doctor and his patient on the occasion of your last visit, your self-respect compelled you, with much regret, to forego the benefit of his treatment, and you would be obliged if he would return your book and send in his account. E. M. TRILL.—You will receive what you require by attending to the directions given at the end of every article by the “Lady Dressmaker.” The Editor cannot attend to that department.