it is true that in one sense one cannot “dread” what is behind; and yet it seems to us the poet’s meaning is clear. The world—life’s experience, life’s memories—deprived of the presence of children, would be more desolate and dreadful even than “the dark” or the unknown future. One must not be too strict in criticising poetical expressions, and “to dread” may mean to feel distress or horror, as well as apprehension. MISS R. M. JACOB, 8, Waldenshaw Road, Forest Hill, London, S.E., sends us particulars of Correspondence Lessons in the cane basket-work. The method is her own and original, and she seems already to be very successful in teaching. Girls who need some fresh occupation will do well to apply to Miss Jacob for particulars. B. E. M.—1. There are a number of reading societies you could join:—The National Home Reading Union, Surrey House, Victoria Embankment, London; “The Queen” Reading Club, Miss Isabel G. Kent, Lay Rectory, Little Abington, Cambridge; and one conducted by Mrs. Walker, Litlington Rectory, Berwick, Sussex, besides many others mentioned in this column from time to time.—2. You might consult _Our Sketching Club: Letters and Studies in Landscape Art_, by Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt, M.A. (Macmillan); _Brushwork_, first book, by Miss Yeats, published by Philip & Son, 32, Fleet Street; or _Brushwork, or Painting without Pencil Outline_, by D. Pearce, published by Charles Dible, 10, Paternoster Square. Two questions are our limit. PERI.—We have pleasure in telling you that the poem you wish to find is called “The Man at the Gate,” and is contained in a small volume entitled “Ezekiel and other Poems, by B. M.” The book was published some time ago by Nelson & Sons at 3s. 6d., net price 2s. 7½d. NELL BELL.—Dear girl, your letter is so disfigured by enormous blots and erasures that we really cannot ask a French girl to correspond with you. Your writing is good, and we are sure you could send us a neat letter if you liked. CARNATION (Australia).—Write direct to Mademoiselle Louise François, Anzin, Nord, France. We have again much pleasure in noticing the Sketching and Copying Clubs of Miss H. E. Grace, 54, York Road, Brighton. The subjects for the fourteenth year, 1899-1900, seem chosen and named in a felicitous manner. We thank Miss Grace for her pleasant letter and enclosure. ANCIENT BRITON.—Will Carleton’s “The First Settler’s Story” is published in his book of _Farm Ballads_ and also appeared in _Our Own Gazette_ for February, 1893.