The pretty sketch next in order represents a gown made of one of the new fancy materials trimmed with chinchilla; cape of chinchilla trimmed with green silk and cream lace, and muff to match. The hat is a very charming model, which is called by some milliners a Trelawnley. It droops in front, and is made of black velvet, round the crown a very handsome ostrich plume is laid, and under the brim of the hat is a _cache peigne_ of pink roses. The new capes of this season are, many of them, pointed in front and back; and are often caught in at the waist behind. Violet cloth has been very much used for capes, and this is a colour that goes so well with fur of all kinds that it is likely to be popular. Where jackets are concerned, whether long or short in the basques, the latter must fit very snugly round the hips without fulness, or they will not give the effect of the newest style. Many of the basques are added with a seam just below the waist, and are marvels of careful fitting. There is rather a strong tendency to use a great quantity of orange in the French millinery; the hue of the moment being of the reddest and most vivid flame colour. The other colours in vogue for the same purpose are green, some shades of red, golden brown, wallflower, and much blue in all shades. For capes and coats putty-colour and fawn are much used, and there is a large amount of white used for trimming. I must not finish my chat without mentioning the ribbon trimmings which have so largely replaced lace, tulle, and chiffon ruches, especially upon bodices and blouses. Skirts as well as bodices are ornamented with gathered ribbons. The prettiest effect is given by using two ribbons together, a narrow and a wider one. These may be of two different colours, or of black and white, the latter being placed on the top. Plain bands of ribbon edged with black velvet, or with baby ribbon gathered, are also much used; in fact there seems no style of design which cannot be turned to account in this decoration. VARIETIES. WRITING HISTORY. Some people have very funny ideas about things. "You know I am supposed to be an historian," said Kinglake the historian of the Crimean war when talking to a friend. "The other day I got a letter which really touched me: it was signed by two people, husband and wife, and came from one of our colonies. "They described their grief. Their only child had been killed in the Crimea. For some incomprehensible reason, they were most anxious to have their beloved son mentioned in my history of the Crimean War. "Surprised, but flattered, I replied by return of post--a thing I had not done for many, many years--that I should be happy to do my best for their comfort provided they sent me the necessary particulars. "Again, a letter signed by both father and mother arrived, but with the following cruel addition--