LASSIE.--We suppose you mean the "Rose of Jericho," which is a very curious cruciferous plant which grows in the sandy deserts of Syria, Arabia, and North Africa, and is remarkable for the hygrometric properties of its old withered annual stems. When in flower the branches spread rigidly, but as the seed ripens the leaves begin to wither and drop off, the branches curl inward, and the plant becomes coiled up so as to resemble a small ball. In this state it is loosened from the soil and is drifted about with the sand over the arid plains. Should rain fall, or should it be blown into the water, the branches expand, the pods open, the seeds fall out, and it is a remarkable and newly-discovered fact that in the short space of twenty hours the seeds germinate and root. The plant will retain its susceptibility for years. VIOLET HEATHER.--We have read your very interesting letter with pleasure. We have already given a description of _crétonne_ articles illustrated, which will be useful to you, and we think you would find Weldon's needlework series, published monthly at twopence each, most suggestive and helpful. A. W.--To preserve your summer eggs for a scarcer time, the following is a good recipe:--Pour 3 gallons of boiling water on 3 lbs. of quicklime; when cold, add 1½ oz. of cream of tartar, and 1 lb. and 2 oz. of salt. When quite cold put in the eggs, and be particular not to move the jar when the eggs have been placed in it. SUSSEX TRUG.--What you have heard of Lewes having once been a seaport is true. There was a marshy island called Hamsey in the estuary of the river Ouse, which entered the sea at Seaford. The great storm of 1570 changed its course permanently, and Newhaven became a port at the new mouth of the river. At that time, Pevensey and Selsey were islands till the silting up of beach and sand annexed them to the mainland. Selsey, by which one island was called, meant seal island; which animals were once natives of that coast. DODO.--Your steel buttons could be freed from rust by immersing them in a strong solution of cyanide of potassium, half an ounce in a wineglassful of water. Then clean them with a paste composed of the same stuff mixed with castile soap, whitening and water, till of the consistency of thick cream. Then rub well with a chamois leather. If this prove unsuccessful, you will have to send them to a jeweller.