AN INTERESTED READER.—An annual exhibition of china paintings is held by Messrs. Howell and James, and they will take any articles for it if fairly well executed. The price is attached to each piece, for which if sold a small commission is charged. ELISE.—To remove the gloss on the surface of a photo, apply the tongue to the paper, for no preparation is as safe as this natural one. VIOLENT.—We cannot make promises as to competitions. Read our replies on this subject to other inquirers. They can only be of rare occurrence, and are so planned as to suit the majority of our girls. DAPHNE.—It is difficult to paint without a few lessons at the commencement. Bad habits are formed, which have to be abandoned. Green’s three shilling volumes on painting from nature, sold by Messrs. Rowney, might assist you. Study them carefully, and copy the examples given after having enlarged them. SAG.—A “cold shadow” in painting is one that runs from a blue-grey to black, and a “warm shadow” is a grey tint inclining to crimson or purple. The shadows are effected by the amount of sunlight at the time the picture is taken. Megilp is mixed with oil colours and other mediums, but not to any great extent. Make your capital letters more distinct. We cannot tell whether you call yourself Sag, Say, Tag, Lag, or Lay. HOWELL and EMMELINE (Barbadoes).—For an article on waxwork, see vol. i., page 355. It is sufficient for a beginner. We are surprised that you should select such a field of art in so warm a climate. Surely it would be very unsuitable? To model in clay or carve in wood or ivory would, we should fancy, be much more practicable. WORK. JUDY.—The cashmere skirt with the beaded bodice would be quite suitable for a quiet evening at home. GERTRUDE.—The only way is to procure orders for the things you make by going round with a collection of them to the shops, and showing what you can do; but it would be a very precarious way of living. GRANNIE must send the cloth to a good French cleaner. We fear the crimson spot is a dye, not a stain. DAISY RANDOLPH.—Alas! so many of our correspondents write to us about “a little work they could do at home to add to their incomes.” Such work is the most difficult to get; but dressmakers are always in request. Why cannot “Daisy” try dressmaking or millinery, and make a small home business? E. GEMMELL writes in behalf of the Decorative Needlework Society, 45, Baker-street, W., to say that scientific or other dressmaking is not taught at their institution. The art of decorative needlework, including church embroidery, is taught, and all desiring such instruction should address the hon. secretary, Miss Mary Haworth. The promoters of this society were formerly engaged in that of the Royal School of Art Needlework.