HISTORICAL MENTAL PICTURE.

I see before me a huge cast'e, crowded with knights and men-at-arms, who are repelling the attacks of a king of England at the head of a large army. It is an animated scene! The waving pennous and plumes of the mail-clad knights the blue steel g'eaming in the sun-the whistling arrows-the dull sound of the masses of stone hurled from the battlements by the besieged-the cries of defiance and shrieks of the wounded,-fill the air with the terrible din of war. A band of chivalry, commanded by a prince of England, sally forth, and fiercely charge the besiegers. For awhile the impetuosity of their attack bears down all before them. But the king of England rallies his troops, and the combat rages with redoubled fury. The leaders of the adverse bands meet in the thickest of the fight, and engage with great courage and address; but the prince unhorses and wounds his opponent, and, perceiving his peril, the king cries out for assistance. On hearing his voice, the prince is greatly affected, and dropping his sword, falls on his knees, imploring the king's forgiveness, But the humbled and justly incen cd monarch deigns him no reply. Accepting the assistance of his repentant foe, he mounte h's horse, withdraws his army, and the combat closes: Required the name of the king, the prince, and the castle before which the incident transpired.

EDWARD Lamplough,

IDEA

LEAN LANE.

STANTONVILLE.-For clear, unchangeable ink, use "Morell's Registration Ink," to be obtained in any town since the Government has appointed it to be used for all registration purposes. Thanks for your sacred song. The Patterdale Pudding was omitted through an error of the printer's, as you will see the numbers go from 31 to 37. Thirty-five was your receipt.

FORGET-ME-NOT. - We reciprocate your kind wishes, and thank you sincerely. Our friends are kindly sending in "summer stock," some of it most excellent and instructive.

IVANE. We have not yet had time to look over "Hilda's Trial." Thanks for your very kind letter. The Enigma is too well known for insertion. It is generally attributed to Lord Byron.

ALITHA. We received your MS., for which we tender grateful acknowledgments. Being this month in London on business, we are pressed for time, and have not yet found half-an-hour to go through it.

AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.-Try "Benzine Collas." HOPE DOUGLAS-Safely received, but not yet perused. Having escaped the devouring clem ent let us hope it will also come scatheless out of the ordeal of editorial criticism. Too busy in London this month for a private communication.

STONEY.-"The Rook's Party" shall certainly be printed for the edification and delectation of our little ones. We thank you for all your kind assist

ance past, present, and to come.

ELLYS H. ERLE.-Your request shall be granted when we return home. The first part of your tale has safely arrived, and by this time probably the second. Certainly a little sauciness and self-will" is a great improvement to a heroine's characterjust a little," you know, like the delicate flavour which pervades some of our Anglo-French dishes, not at all prononcée, and yet by no means wanting in an agreeable piquancy.

ANNA ELIZA-We have not yet seen your MS., therefore cannot give an opinion about it. But certainly it cannot be inserted "next month" Our arrangements are complete for several months to come as far as regards the kind of article you have been so good as to forward.

ISABEL. Your poems are very pretty, but you have not yet given us, as far as we recollect, an ep portunity of criticising your pros "Willy's Reply" is not quite equal to "Lilly's Farewell," which was a charming little thing, poetical and natural.

IVY GREEN.-All right. No apologies needful. CAROLINE.We will make inquiry, and write to you respecting the Musical Treatise. Thanks for your kindly assistance.

GENERALLY.-We must again remark, that the "Editorial Correspondence" is this month being written in town instead of in Warwickshire; there fore our friends must forgive us if some appeals are left unnoticed. Some also who might expect pr vate communications must understand that absolute want of leisure prevents their Editor from writing, or rather defers the epistles which it her great pleasure to indite to so many of her valued staff. Letters have been forwarded to her, but not contributions. Silence therefore on some points will not be misconstrued into neglect or wast of courtesy. The Editor also most gratefully thanks her friends for their liberal and prompt response to her somewhat presumptuous requests. The su mer-stock" is accumulating charmingly! And this number being the final one of the half-yearly volume, the Editor begs to acknowledge thankful her in her arduous and very responsible task. Her the assistance of all and each one who have aided ships with her contributors, is also a source of selfvery happy, and, in some cases, intimate relation gratulation. May the kindly friendships and ass ciations already formed be continued, increased, and cemented through many future volumes of our well-beloved "Family Friend!"

Contributions must be sent in not later than the 12th of each month, addressed to

"The Editor of the 'Family Friend,' Oscott Villa, Erdington, near Birmingham." Also, Books and Music for review: but all orders and cash-remittances must be sent to Messrs. Adams and Gee, 23, Middle-street, West Smithfield, London, E.C.