if the symptoms do not return, increase the time very gradually; never practise unless you can give the whole of your mind to the work—as soon as the brain begins to fag you are in danger, and even if you were not, the practising done is of no value whatever. If this form of treatment fails there is little left, except giving up music altogether, at all events for some years. STUDY AND STUDIO. LIZZIE VAN HARDENBROEK (Algiers).—We thank you heartily for your very pleasant letter. The English and handwriting are admirable, considering that you are a foreigner.—1. Your quotation is from Milton’s poem “On His Blindness.” You may perhaps know that our great poet, who had from childhood injured his eyesight by excessive study and strain, became totally blind in about the forty-seventh year of his age. As you may have difficulty in procuring it, we transcribe the whole sonnet, which is one of the most beautiful in the English language:— “When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent, which is death to hide, Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide; ‘Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?’ I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, ‘God doth not need Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed, And post o’er land and ocean without rest; They also serve who only stand and wait.’” FIDDLER.—We can only confirm your own modest opinion, that your composition is very incorrect. There appears to be no melody, and it is without meaning or coherence. We can, however, give you one word of praise, for the music is most beautifully copied. You should study the laws of musical composition. Davenport’s _Elements of Music_, and _Harmony_, are the best books for you to procure. OLIVE.—The literal Latin words for “Love conquers” are “Amor vincit,” but as a motto it reads better “Omnia vincit amor”—“Love conquers all things.” VICTORIA.—1. Your writing has a small and cramped appearance, and you do not form your letters well. The tails of your g’s, y’s, &c., are too long. You write very clearly, and might easily improve with care.—2. We do not give the private address of the authoress in question, but letters sent to the office of THE GIRL’S OWN PAPER would be forwarded to her. Ethel Rimmer’s question has been already answered, though we thank you for your kindness.