We go to press long before you receive your magazine, so it would be quite impossible for you ever to see an answer in “next week.” PILGRIM.—1. We should think a good history for your purpose would be an illustrated abridgment by G. Masson of F. P. G. Guizot’s _History of France from its Earliest Times_ (Low), published price 5s.; or W. H. Jervis’s _Student’s History of France_, with maps and illustrations (Murray), published price 7s. 6d.—2. The only satisfactory general history of Russia is said to be Alfred Rambaud’s, illustrated and well translated (Low), but it is expensive—21s. There is a popular History of Russia in the “Story of the Nations Series” (Unwin) by W. R. Morfill, published at 5s. We hope these are neither “dry” nor “childish.” FLORENTIA.—We have searched through Charles Kingsley’s poems in vain for the lines beginning— “In music there is no self-will.” Are you sure he is the author? Perhaps some reader may observe this reply and come to your help. SNOWDROP.—We think your best way is to write to Messrs. Hachette & Co., 18, King William Street, Charing Cross, London, W.C., for a list of French magazines, and choose one that seems suitable. We do not know of one exactly answering to THE GIRL’S OWN PAPER. OUR OPEN LETTER BOX. “WINTON” again has answers, from “AN OLD SUBSCRIBER” and an anonymous writer, referring the hymn, “Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile,” to the _Hymnal Companion_ and _Sacred Songs and Solos_. MISCELLANEOUS. CLEOPATRA II.—The term or nickname of a British soldier, i.e., “Tommy Atkins,” had its origin in the little pocket-ledgers, at one time supplied to them, in which all the necessary memoranda connected with them—their name, age, date of enlistment, length of service, wounds, or medals, received, etc., were entered. With this the War Office gave a form to be filled in; the hypothetical name of “Thomas Atkins” was entered, just as “John Doe and Richard Roe” are employed by lawyers; “M. or N.” by the Church, and “Jack Tar” to designate a sailor. The books at once were called by the name, which was afterwards applied as a comprehensive name for the men themselves. We thank you for your good wishes for the continued success of our magazine. S. A.—There are five Homes for Aged Poor People in the suburbs of town, respecting which you must write to the Misses Harrison, 5, Grandacre Terrace, Anerley, S.E. There is also the “Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society,” which grants annual pensions to aged Christians of both sexes, and of all Protestant denominations. This institution has homes at Camberwell, Hornsey Rise, Stamford Hill, and Brighton. Pensions are granted to some not received into the homes. The Secretary is Mr. J. E. Hazelton, office, 82, Finsbury Pavement, E.C.