The very smart coats of the autumn are all made of a thick satin _merveilleux_, which was used for the same purpose some years ago, and seems to have returned to favour. Other coats are of black velvet, on one of which a great deal of Irish crochet lace has been lavished as decoration; but all of them are of the same three-quarter length, and aspire to great perfection of cut and fit. One sees by these coats how desirable it is to be slight in figure, for most of these fashions are only suitable for the thin. Pipings are the predominant ornament; and, indeed, this form of decoration is more popular than anything else. Mittens are coming into use, and, for the evening, will perhaps supersede gloves; the late tropical heat has rendered the most careful people quite careless of their gloves, and it has been nothing remarkable to meet well-dressed women in the street carrying their gloves in their hands. The ribbon bands round the neck, which have been so much used this year, are now being replaced by velvet ones, tied in the same manner--in a bow at the back. It is rumoured that wide strings of ribbon for bonnets are coming in again, but I do not think it likely, as they add much to the look of age on the face. Hats turned up in front were an introduction of the later summer season; but they have taken immensely, and will be worn during the winter, and it is well to remember, nevertheless, that they require a plump face, for thin cheeks stand no chance at all, in their very uncompromising lack of shadow. _The following is sent by an anonymous reader in response to the address on our Prospectus._--ED. TO OUR EDITOR. From his "Garden of Girls." Dear friend, you will find in your "garden of girls" That not "rosebuds" alone may be seen, There the blue-bell of Scotland her petals unfurls, And the shamrock her trefoil of green. And when through your garden in spirit you roam, While the sun in the West slowly pales, Soft music will steal on your ear from the home Of the murmuring wind-harp of Wales. And the song of the harp is the voice of the flowers In grateful devotion expressed, For a thousand weeks spent to provide them with hours With mirth, joy and happiness blest. THE RULES OF SOCIETY. BY LADY WILLIAM LENNOX. PART I. The following remarks upon the "Rules of Society" are made for the benefit of those who from one cause or another feel a little uncertain with respect to the small observances which, although not to be counted among the weightier matters in life, yet hold no unimportant place therein, if our daily comfort and well-being are to be considered; but are, indeed, like oil on the wheels, not absolutely essential to movement, but making all the difference as regards smoothness or the reverse.