CHRISTABEL.—1. We should be afraid that the letters were not genuine. The people who offer large sums of money on condition of a million or more stamps being collected, are usually not to be found when the subject is inquired into. But why not put an end to the nuisance by writing a postcard to the sender and asking her to send no more “chain letters” to you, as you will forward no more?—2. The two books you inquire about are not of very great value. The _Milton_, by John Gillies, was published in 1788, and went through three editions. If yours be the one of 1793, it is number two, and is worth about 2s. The _Shakespeare_, or rather _The History and Antiquities of Stratford-on-Avon_, by R. B. Wheler, 1806, 8vo., is worth about 16s., if in good condition, as it is a standard work on Warwickshire. Many thanks for your kind wishes which we fully reciprocate. BEATTIE.—The uncle has no legal authority at all, unless a guardian or trustee, save that a near relative and an older man may have. The duties of trustees are to see all the accounts of the trust, know all the investments, and never to sign any papers they do not _fully_ understand. MOTHER KITTY.—1. White felt hats can be cleaned with flour, and will look quite well after rubbing. Of course all the trimming should be taken off, and when finished, the flour must be well beaten out, so that it may not come off on everything.—2. Handwriting is clear and neat—what is called a “running hand.” Why do you put a knot at the ends of the t’s? It is incorrect. COOKMAID.—1. The date appears to be 1744, if your letters be right. We cannot say of what value it is, because you omit the author’s name.—2. The snuff-box is of value as a curiosity, but we could not say of how much. A great deal of the wood of the _Royal George_ was used for such things. MAYBLOSSOM.—The name of David’s mother is unknown, as we have often said. His grandmother was Ruth. A LOVER OF THE “G.O.P.”—It is always better to err on the side of kindness, and if you have had a conversation on business matters, and are constantly meeting, you will find it awkward, and it would be impolitic if you did not bow when you see him in the street. This does not entail any further intimacy. MARIGOLD.—The best German yeast is very good for making bread. The “D.C.L.” brand is what we prefer for our own home use. We should employ this in preference to brewers’ barm. NOEL.—The name Noel is derived from the Latin _Dies Natalis_—Christmas. It may mean born on Christmas Day. The French is _Noel_, Italian _Natali_, Spanish and Portuguese _Natal_. And this last brings us to the origin of the name of one of our South African colonies, Natal, which was bestowed by Vasco da Gama, because he discovered it on Christmas Day.