FOND MOTHER.--There are few places in the world more deadly to Europeans than the Gold Coast. If you can possibly prevent your son from going to such an unhealthy place we strongly advise you to do so. Very few Europeans who have set foot upon "The White Man's Grave" recover their health when they return home. And it is but a small number that ever do return. PURE WATER.--You say that you have a porcelain filter. Do you mean a charcoal filter in a porcelain jar, that is, a cottage filter? or do you mean a filter in which the water is forced through porcelain? The latter kind of filter is thoroughly efficient. The former kind is far worse than useless. The question of the use and abuse of filters has been considered by two commissions. The latest commission was held last year. It dealt chiefly with the value of the pocket filters used by British soldiers. The report was very condemnatory. STUDY AND STUDIO. BEN BOLT.--1. We smiled at your amusing French-English letter, but we can inform you that we only criticise the handwriting of our correspondents when we have been asked to do so. The request very usually accompanies the MSS. sent to us.--2. There is certainly room for improvement in your English prose, but we should judge you quite capable of making yourself competent to undertake translations. MISS HATHWAY, whose society we have frequently mentioned, writes to say that her address is now Chambers' Library, Wokingham. Her "Excelsior Literary Club" for essays, stories, research, subjects of discussion, with criticism and prizes, originated in 1877. The second term of her classes for English subjects, French, and Italian, is now beginning. Terms (moderate) on application, with stamp for reply. AGATHA.--We feel much sympathy for you.--1. Your drawing is good, the shading being well managed for one who has never learned. We advise you to persevere.--2. Your writing is very clear and excellent, considering that you have to write lying on your back. We hope you will soon be stronger. ARDCHULLARY.--1. You have not given your quotation quite correctly-- "The light that never was, on sea or land, The consecration, and the Poet's dream." These magnificent lines are from a poem by Wordsworth, "suggested by a picture of Peele Castle in a storm." They mean the light of poetic imagination, which irradiates life, although it is not seen with the outward eye.--2. Your writing is neat and good, but the tails to your g's and y's, etc., are too long.