BUTTERCUP.—You should have mentioned the book you were reading, as we think the word is a manufactured one, _alma_ being “soul,” and _cinere_ “ashes,” in Italian. Perhaps it has something to do with Ash Wednesday and Lent. There seems no other clue. E. B. B. should read Sir John Lubbock’s recent account of teaching his dog to read cards, with certain words on them indicating “out,” “food,” etc. 2. Lilith is fabled by the Talmudist as having been the first wife of Adam, but, refusing to obey him, she left Paradise for the regions of the air. ISOLDE.—The meaning of the word _nehustan_ (2 Kings xviii. 4) is given by Bishop Hall as “a piece of brass,” and by Dr. Hales as “a brazen bauble,” designed to be a term of contempt. The brazen serpent was made an idol, and was worshipped, and Hezekiah spoke of it in its real character as a mere piece of metal. We acknowledge your kind letter with many thanks. MISS MALAPROP, FIVE TOES, X. Y. Z.—At sixteen you should be attending to your lessons. If wise, you would not be in such a hurry to begin the troubles and anxieties of life. MAY.—Even if the brigade of artillery had been moved from Bellary, all letters and papers would be forwarded to the troops, wherever they were. We can find no mention of anything recent. M. L. W. A.—The great diamond called the Koh-i-noor, or “mountain of light,” was found in the Mines of Golconda in 1550, and is said to have belonged in turn to Shah Jehan Aurungzebe, the Afghan rulers, and afterwards to the Sikh Chief Runjeet Singh. Upon the abdication of Dhuleep Singh, the last ruler of the Punjab, and the annexation of his dominions in 1849, the Koh-i-noor was surrendered to the Queen, and was brought over and presented to her, July 3rd, 1850. Its original weight was nearly 800 carats, but it was reduced, by the unskilfulness of the artist, to 279 carats. Its shape and size was like the pointed end of a small hen’s egg. The value is hardly to be computed, but appraising it at two millions has been considered reasonable, if calculated on a trade scale. It was re-cut in 1852, and was reduced to 102½ carats. It is worn by Her Majesty as a brooch on all State occasions. LAURA.—Of course, your pale semi-opaque amber will turn darker and lose its beauty if exposed to light and heat. Whenever taken off, wipe your necklace and earrings carefully with a soft handkerchief to remove any greasiness, and put them by in a cool, dark place. R. E. F.—A woman married after the 1st of January, 1883, is qualified to dispose by will of all property belonging to her at the time of her marriage, and of all property acquired thereafter, in all respects as if she were an unmarried woman. If married previously to the date above named, she must obtain her husband’s consent to any will she may desire to make, and all property accruing to her after marriage, unless by settlement, becomes his to surrender to her or to retain, as his perceptions of honour or feeling of generosity may dictate.