Chapter VIII: Section VI: Notholirion

50. _Hookeri._ 51. _Roseum._

We said that in all divisions of natural objects there were “aberrant” types which refused to be located in any one group and remained sitting on the wall between several of the divisions. And in this group there are likewise some which stick upon the wall. The chief reasons we have for not using this classification will be apparent from the following criticism of it.

The first section, _Cardiocrinum_, forms a very natural group. _L. Cordifolium_ and _L. Giganteum_, though distinct species, are yet very near akin and are totally different from any other lilies.

Of the _Eulirion_ section, the first or _Longiflorum_ group, containing _L. Longiflorum_, _L. Wallichianum_, _L. Philippinense_, _L. Neilgherrense_, and the new _L. Formosanum_, forms as natural a division as is _Cardiocrinum_. But the other members of the _Eulirion_ group are by no means so easy to classify.

_L. Japonicum Odorum_ and _L. Brownii_ are very nearly allied. _L. Krameri_, with the new _L. Rubellum_, more nearly resemble the _Archelirion_ than the present group.

In certain characters _L. Nepaulense_ nearly resembles _L. Monadelphum_, a member of the _Martagon_ group.

_L. Candidum_ bears but little resemblance to the other _Eulirions_. Its flowers are short and numerous, and the bulb sends up an autumn crop of leaves. In the last characteristic it differs very markedly from every known lily.

_L. Belladonna_ is unknown to us.

_L. Washingtonianum_ and its varieties resemble _L. Candidum_ in bearing numerous small short flowers. Its bulb is very similar to that of _L. Humboldti_ in being an oblique, almost rhizomatose, structure.

_L. Parryi_ resembles _L. Nepaulense_ in some particulars, and _L. Washingtonianum_ in others. Its bulb, however, is more like that of _L. Pardalinum_ than that of any other species.

Of the _Archelirion_ section, _L. Auratum_ and _L. Speciosum_ have much in common. But _L. Tigrinum_ has but little relation to the former two lilies; its drooping flowers strongly suggest that this lily should be placed with the _Martagons_.

_L. Leichtlini_ and _Pseudo-Tigrinum_ are placed among the _Martagons_; yet these two lilies bear a very strong resemblance to _L. Tigrinum_.

_L. Oxypetalum_ differs from all other lilies in many respects. It resembles the fritillaries in most points and was formerly included with those plants.

As regards the _Isolirion_ group, in which the flowers are erect, we would place _L. Medeoloides_ with the _Martagons_, next to _L. Hansoni_—the plant which it most resembles.

_L. Concolor_ and its varieties should form a group of themselves.

_L. Batmanniae_[6] and _L. Wallacei_ should certainly be included with the _Isolirions_, and not with the _Martagons_.

1. Leaf from upper part of stem, _L. Giganteum_.
2. Basal leaf of _L. Cordifolium_.
3. Leaf of _L. Auratum_.
4. Leaf of _L. Auratum Platyphyllum_.
5. Leaf of _L. Pyrenaicum_.
6. Leaves of _L. Longiflorum_, showing injury done by green fly.
7. Leaves of _L. Brownii_, showing commencement of disease.
8. Deformed leaf, _L. Longiflorum_.
9. Leaves and bulblets of _L. Tigrinum_.]

The _Martagons_ fall naturally into several groups. The first group, which we might call the swamp lilies,[7] includes _L. Superbum_, _L. Canadense_, _L. Pardalinum_, _L. Roezlii_, and one or two new species. All these lilies have but slightly recurved flowers and rhizomatose bulbs. They are all natives of North America.

Another group which we might call the true _Martagons_ would include _L. Martagon_, _L. Pomponium_, _L. Pyrenaicum_, _L. Avenaceum_, _L. Tenuifolium_, _L. Callosum_, _L. Chalcedonicum_, and _L. Hansoni_, etc.

_L. Humboldti_ is different from any other lily in many points. Its bulb somewhat resembles that of _L. Washingtonianum_.

_L. Polyphyllum_ and _L. Monadelphum_ much resemble each other in the form of their flowers.

_L. Testaceum_ is a hybrid. _L. Ponticum_ is a variety of _L. Monadelphum_. _L. Lucidum_ is unknown to us.

We are not going to adhere to this division. The one we are about to tabulate seems to us to be more useful. It is tentative, and is subject maybe to grave objections; but on the whole we think that it will be more generally useful to the lily grower. Obviously it is founded on the former classification, and we have used the names of the groups which are generally accepted.

We append no description to each group, for, though we could do so if we were pressed, we wish it to be clearly understood that the division is purely experimental, as what classification is not?

GROUP I.—_Cardiocrinum._

1. _Giganteum._ 2. _Cordifolium._

GROUP II.—_Eulirion._

_Longiflorum_ Section: 3. _Longiflorum._ 4. _Formosanum._ 5. _Philippinense._ 6. _Wallichianum._ 7. _Neilgherrense._

_Japonicum_ Section: 8. _Japonicum Odorum._ 9. _Brownii._

_Candidum_ Section: 10. _Candidum._

_Washingtonianum_ Section: 11. _Washingtonianum._ 12. _Parryi._ 13. _Nepaulense._ 14. _Lowi._

GROUP III.—_Archelirion._

_Auratum_ Section: 15. _Auratum._ 16. _Speciosum._

_Krameri_ Section: 17. _Krameri._ 18. _Rubellum._

_Tigrinum_ Section: 19. _Tigrinum._ 20. _Leichtlini._ 21. _Maximowiczi._ 22. _Henryi._

GROUP IV.—_Isolirion._

23. _Bulbiferum._ 24. _Catesbaei._ 25. _Batmanniae._ 26. _Wallacei._ 27. _Philadelphicum._ 28. _Elegans._ 29. _Croceum._ 30. _Davuricum._

GROUP V.—_Martagon._

True _Martagon_ Section: 31. _Martagon._ 32. _Pomponium._ 33. _Pyrenaicum._ 34. _Hansoni._ 35. _Medeoloides._ 36. _Avenaceum._ 37. _Callosum._ 38. _Tenuifolium._ 39. _Carniolicum._ 40. _Chalcedonicum._

Swamp-lily Section: 41. _Columbianum._ 42. _Humboldti._ 43. _Canadense._ 44. _Parvum._ 45. _Maritimum._ 46. _Superbum._ 47. _Roezlii._ 48. _Pardalinum._ 49. _Californicum._ 50. _Grayi._

_Monadelphum_ Section: 51. _Monadelphum._ 52. _Polyphyllum._

GROUP VI.

53. _Concolor._ 54. _Davidii._

GROUP VII.

55. _Oxypetalum._ 56. _Roseum._ 57. _Hookeri._

There are therefore fifty-seven distinct species of lilies; but of these there are over one hundred and twenty varieties. Besides these there are four double-flowered varieties, and four definite hybrids.

In our next number we will proceed with the description of these various species and varieties. But before we attempt to describe the individual species, let us glance at some of the chief characteristics of the various parts of lilies.

The lily has two sets of roots. One set develops beneath the bulb, the other is given off by the flower shoot above the bulb. Each set serves a definite purpose, and both are absolutely necessary to the welfare of the plant. The lower roots are concerned chiefly with the development of the bulb; the upper roots, or those given off by the flower-shoot, are the main source of supply to the stem and flowers. Unless these roots develop and are well covered with earth, the plant will not flower.

If the flower stem is removed from the bulb and the upper roots are not disturbed, it will continue to grow unchecked. Or, again, if the bulb be destroyed by disease, or its lower roots do not develop, the lily may still flower; but if the stem roots are destroyed, the shoot dies, even though the bulb and lower roots are quite perfect.

All the lilies possess bulbs. These bulbs are exceedingly characteristic, and differ greatly from those of any other plant. The bulbs of all lilies are imbricate—that is, consist of a number of scales united at their bases.

A typical bulb, such as that of _Lilium Longiflorum_, consists of numerous scales, closely packed together, united to a firm, fleshy part—the base of the bulb. It is from the base that the lower roots spring. In a perfectly sound fresh bulb the outer scales are approximated to the next layer, but in dry bulbs the outer scales wither and are but loosely applied to the inner ones.

The bulb is narrow at the base, whence it rapidly increases towards the middle, being thickest about one third of the way up from the base. From the middle it rapidly dwindles towards the crown, which usually ends in a point. In the centre of the bulb is the flower spike, which is the densest part of the bulb.

Lily bulbs vary in size, in colour, in shape, and in structure, according to the species. The bulb of _Lilium Giganteum_ is from four to five inches in diameter, whereas that of _L. Wallacei_ is barely half an inch across. As a rule, the larger the plant the larger is its bulb; but this is by no means always the case. The bulb of _L. Tigrinum var. Fortunei Giganteum_ is no larger than that of _L. Longiflorum_, whereas the former plant is quite three times the size of the latter.

When freshly dug up, most lily bulbs are nearly white in colour; but after exposure to the air for a short time, they get tinted with various shades, which differ remarkably in the different species.

The bulbs of _L. Elegans_, _L. Bulbiferum_, _L. Croceum_, and _L. Umbellatum_, and others usually remain pure white. _L. Longiflorum_ and a great many others become of a yellowish tint. _L. Speciosum_ and _L. Auratum_ usually become a dark brown or purplish colour. The bulb of _L. Giganteum_ is usually a deep russet colour.

Lily bulbs vary greatly in shape and structure. The typical bulb is ovate or pyramidal in shape, with small regular scales. There are many variations from this. Some are more or less rounded, others, notably that of _L. Polyphyllum_, are very long and narrow. Some have large flat scales, whilst in others the scales are small and rounded. Some bulbs, such as those of _L. Superbum_, _L. Canadense_, and many others, are borne upon a perennial rhizome, the bulbs themselves being annual.

The bulbs of _L. Humboldti_ and _L. Washingtonianum_ are curiously unlike those of any other lilies, being flat and oblique. Some bulbs possess a large number of minute scales, others have but a few large scales.

The bulbs of _L. Roseum_ and _L. Hookeri_ are invested with a dense membranous sheath like the bulbs of the tulip. No other lily bulb possesses this sheath. These are some of the varieties of lily bulbs; an accurate description of most will be found in connection with the accounts of the various species.

The stem of the lily is usually straight and unbranched. Very rarely the stem is branched. It varies in diameter and toughness in the various species. In some species it is covered with down.

The leaves are subject to even greater variety than is the bulb. They may be few or many, arranged in whorls or scattered, and of various colours and shapes.

_L. Chalcedonicum_ has many hundred leaves, whilst _L. Auratum_ rarely has more than thirty. In some lilies, such as _L. Washingtonianum_, _L. Humboldti_, _L. Martagon_, etc., the leaves are arranged in whorls, but in most kinds the leaves are irregularly scattered.

In colour the leaves of the lilies present much variety. Usually the leaves are deep glossy green. In _L. Longiflorum Foliis Albo-Marginatis_ the leaves are pale green bordered with white. In one variety of _L. Candidum_ they are edged with yellow.

Lily leaves are usually linear or lanceolate; but they vary in shape from the thin pine-needle-like leaf of _L. Pyrenaicum_, to the broad heart-shape leaf of _L. Cordifolium_.

Usually but one kind of leaf is present, but in _L. Giganteum_ at least three distinct forms of leaves are developed. And in _Lilium Candidum_ the autumn or base leaves are totally distinct from the linear leaves borne on the stem.

The leaves of _L. Bulbiferum_ and _L. Tigrinum_ bear bulblets in their axils. Other lilies occasionally bear bulblets in the axils of their leaves, especially if the plant fails to flower. A bulb is only a modified bud, so that it is not surprising it should occasionally develop above ground. _L. Umbellatum_ and _L. Longiflorum_ are the commonest lilies to bear these aerial bulblets, except of course _L. Tigrinum_ and _L. Bulbiferum_, in both of which lilies they are always present.

The flowers of the lilies vary immensely in most particulars. There are always three sepals, three petals, and six stamens. The flowers are either solitary, or there may be two or three or many borne in a pyramidal inflorescence. The flowers are borne terminally on the stalk. It is upon the characters of the flowers that the classification of the genus is based.

The fruit is a six-sided capsule, and the seeds are flat with broad membranous wings.

(_To be continued._)

FOOTNOTES:

[3] Perianth. Scientific term for the floral leaves.

[4] Oblanceolate. Narrowing towards the point of attachment.

[5] Falcate. Curved, sickle-shaped.

[6] This is the right way of spelling the word. The lily was named after Mrs. Bateman.

[7] _L. Superbum_ is _the_ swamp lily. It is one of the most typical of the group.

OUR PUZZLE POEM REPORT: AN IDEAL GARDEN.

SOLUTION.

AN IDEAL GARDEN.

A garden like a room should be,
With carpet green to rest the eye;
Where tread is cool and soft and free;

And on it here and there a tree
To give us shade from noonday sky:
To give the birdies room for glee.

And all around us we should see,
And all be fain to specify,
Blossoms in luxuriancy.

And oh the happiness! that we
Should be so blessed to testify
That it is good alive to be.

PRIZE WINNERS.

_Seven Shillings Each._

Eliza Acworth, 9, Blenheim Mount, Bradford.
Miss W. M. Cassan, 25, Lee Terrace, Blackheath, S.E.
M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.
Jessie F. Dulley, Lindens, Wellingborough.
Emily Francis, 9, Darlington Street, Egremont, Cheshire.
Herbert V. French, 19, Hart Street, Carlisle.
Miss F. M. Goodchild, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset.
Annie M. Goss, 4, Blenheim Terrace, St. John’s Wood, N.W.
Mrs. Nicholls, Parlors Hall, Bridgnorth, Salop.
N. E. Purvey, Penrhyn, Hayward’s Heath.
Mildred Richardson, Glentworth, Queen Anne Terrace, Bowes Park, N.
Wm. Dunford-Smith, 71, Ondine Road, East Dulwich, S.E.
Mrs. W. C. Stevenson, Knockan, Londonderry.
Norah M. Sullivan, 2, Ortranto Place, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.
Elizabeth Yarwood, 59, Beech Road, Cale Green, Stockport.

_Most Highly Commended._

M. S. Arnold, Annie A. Arnott, Helen M. Coulthard, Dr. R. Swan Coulthard, Mabel E. Davis, S. Dewhirst, Miss Flinn, M. Evangeline Hulse, Mrs. H. Jordan, Mata Kelway, E. E. Lockyear, E. Lord, Annie J. McConnell, A. Phillips, Lucy Richardson, Edith S. Russell, C. E. Thurgar, Mrs. B. M. Welford.

_Very Highly Commended._

_Division I._

May Adamson, Mrs. Adkins, Ethel Anderson, “Annis,” Mrs. Astbury, A. Burgeis Badcock, Mary H. Barlow, Mabel Barnicott, Maud F. Bazeley, Frances Beach, Alice M. Berry, Clara A. Binks, Gertrude Bowdler, Ina M. Broad, Lillie and Daisy Browell, Violet Byrne, Agnes Clark, Mary A. Collins, Maud G. Collins, A. C. Crabb, E. V. Davies, C. M. A. Fitzgerald, Grace I. Gibson, Mrs. W. H. Gotch, Florence Graves, E. M. Hartill, Edith M. Higgs, Rose A. Hooppell, Eva Hooley, Muriel Howie, Mabel Howitt, “Iseult,” Mary Jolliffe, Helen Jones, L. Foster-Jones, Ethel Knight, Mrs. Latter, Clara E. Law, Edith Leadbeater, Edith M. Letch, Mary Lethbridge, M. H. Longhurst, M. A. Lowe, Annie G. Luck, Helen A. Manning, Nellie Meikle, Emilie Mills, E. C. Milne, Elizabeth Morgan, A. Morris, E. M. Le Mottée, Harriet Moule, Jessie Neighbour, Ethel C. Newell, Agnes Nicholls, Kate D. Norris, Edith Nye, Marion T. Ockleston, E. A. O’Donoghue, Janie Olver, Blanche E. Patch, G. de Courcy Peach, Mrs. N. M. Pollard, Mrs. W. Porritt, E. Preston, Elizabeth Rodgers, Muriel E. Scott, Agnes A. M. Shearer, Katherine H. Shorto, Caroline Skinner, Mary E. Spencer, Sadie Stelfox, Miss Stephenson, Alice E. Stretton, Gertrude M. Stott, Emily M. Tattam, Constance Taylor, L. M. Todd, Mabel Wearing, Caroline Weitzel, A. D. Wood, Emily M. P. Wood, David Young, Katherine Young.

_Division II._

Mr. A. W. Blackburn, G. Brightwell, E. Burrell, Jenny M. Carmichael, Helen A. Carpenter, Leonora E. L. Clark, Gracie Davidge, Katherine Davids, Bessie Dominey, Ada E. Edmonds, Alfred G. Everett, Dorothy Felce, Mary E. Foley, J. Gutteridge, Ellen Hambly, Ellie Hanlon, Minnie C. Harris, Hilda M. Harrison, Maude Hayward, Blanche Holmes, Percy H. Horne, Lennox Howse, K. H. Ingram, Eva M. Jeayes, Eugenie Marinscheck, E. Mastin, Laura E. Mellor, Jessie Middlemiss, Katharine E. Moreton, E. Moss, Robert Murdoch, Mary M. Murray, Nita Nettleton, Grace Neville, Charles Nunneley, Mrs. A. Paulin, Lizzie Peacock, Mary Pennell, J. A. Emerson Reynolds, Florence E. Russell, J. Sedgwick, Agnes Smith, Mrs. G. W. Smith, A. M. Somersgale, B. M. Stagg, Mrs. H. F. Staunton, M. Stuart, H. H. Taylor, Edith Tichener, Nora S. Townshend, Freda Walter, Edith G. Wheeler, E. F. Woodhams, Emily C. Woodward.

_Division III._

M. S. Baker, Lily Belling, Hetty Blakeston, Ines Bryson, F. Chute, Edith Collins, George R. Davidge, A. S. K. Ellson, Henry Goodwyn, Caroline S. Gregory, Caroline Gundry, Beatrice A. Hawes, Mrs. Hartnell, Marguerite Hendley, M. Hodgkinson, E. St. G. Hodson, Frances E. Kershaw, Mildred E. Lockyear, Winifred A. Lockyear, Jessie Mack, R. Pitman, E. G. Potter, Henzell G. Robson, Edward Rogulski, Annie Saunders, L. W. Siffken, Margaret B. Strathern, L. M. Todd, Mrs. C. E. Walker, Wm. Wearing, Gertrude Wearing.

* * * * *

EXAMINERS’ REPORT.

Once again we have good cause to lament simplicity, nearly three hundred solutions being all but perfect. All those mentioned are word perfect, and the differences which separate the various classes are so slight as to be almost trivial. Let us be explicit: The prize-winners are perfect in every way. The most highly commended are perfect in word and form. Ten group the lines into two stanzas, four leave out the second e in blessed, three omit the note of exclamation in the last verse, and one writes an interjection o! with a small letter.

The “very highly commended” list mentions those solvers whose only important fault was a failure to indent the second and corresponding lines. In division I. the lines were grouped into four verses; in division II. into one verse, and in division III. into two verses.

Following close upon the steps of perfection is a batch of ninety-six solutions which give “noonday” as a compound word or, even worse, as two words. We do not attempt to deny that solutions with only so trifling an error are deserving of high commendation, but before their turn came the space at our disposal was filled.

Some of our readers with that perversity which is the heritage of many puzzle solvers, will doubtless fail to discern the basis of sound common sense underlying our ruling and will denounce it as arbitrary. Candidly, it is sailing quite as near to the wind as we like; but necessity knows no law, so why should an examiner? And after all we are confident that the sweet reasonableness of our decisions will appeal to all but the unwise and prejudiced.

A few solvers still persist in ignoring rule 2. It can hardly be because they fail to understand it, and this time we have refrained from mentioning any solver who has transgressed it.

Two or three solvers spelt “luxuriancy” with an e instead of an a. This was a pity, because it is much safer in a close competition to spell correctly.

There were not many fantastic readings to while away the tedium of adjudication. Perhaps the most curious was a rendering of the eighth line, found in several solutions:—

“And all be thine, O specify!”

Although the reading can be justified by the text, it has nothing else to commend it unless it be its eccentricity.

The eleventh line was often translated:—

“Should be so blind to testify.”

This we fail to understand from any point of view, because if the minus sign be taken for a _line_ the text runs blineed, which, when you come to think of it, is rather a clumsy way of spelling blind. It is clear, at any rate to us, that the stroke cannot do duty for both the minus sign and _line_. If it could all would be well, thus:—

b _line_ - ed = blind.

But enough! for our brain reels.

* * * * *

A SHORT STORY IN VERSE.—In this competition a perfect solution was sent by Alice M. Seaman of St. Peter’s Park. By a clerical error it was misplaced, and did not reach us until some time after our adjudication. A prize has since been sent to this competitor, from whom, by the way, we received no complaint.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

MISCELLANEOUS.

IRENE.—Grease may be removed from paper by laying over the stain a clean sheet of blotting-paper, and then holding a very hot iron upon it, but not hot enough to burn of course. Some people take out grease-marks by merely holding a red-hot poker over the mark, which will take a slight grease-mark out at once. But do not scorch the paper.

NEMO.—Some of the characters in the book are historical, such as the Emperor Nero and his wife Poppea. The others are not so, but are depicted as they might very well have been.

SARAH.—1. The meaning of the term borough is a town which can send members to parliament. The Scotch equivalent for it is burgh, of which there are four kinds, viz.:—parliamentary burghs; municipal, or police burghs; the royal, which are governed by crown charters; and burghs of barony, which are governed by magistrates, though subject to the superior of the barony.—2. Do not postpone using glasses, carefully selected for your sight by an optician, if you feel any aching at the back of the eyes and round the balls, on using them. You will injure the sight if you do not at once provide the assistance they require. Nature has given due warning and called for it.

FANNY WRITING II.—Ink stains may be removed by the use of salts of sorrel. Dip all articles first into boiling water for a few minutes, then tighten the part to be treated over a basin and rub in some salts of sorrel. They are poisonous, but will not damage textile fabrics. Then rinse thoroughly in hot water. Repeat if the stains be not extracted.

RENÉE.—We have received your dear little note, and are very sorry that we cannot give you the information you need about a dog. Would it not be better to consult your father or brother about it, and let them procure you one nearer home? Many thanks for the kind things you say about the “G. O. P.”

OUR PUZZLE POEMS.

A NEW DEPARTURE.

We are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with accidents and the way to meet them, and the following is the third and last of the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the sake of the valuable instruction they contain.

In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes THREE SPECIAL PRIZES are offered for the best solutions of the whole series.

The first Special Prize will be THREE GUINEAS; the second Special Prize, TWO GUINEAS, and the third Special Prize, ONE GUINEA.

A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be awarded to those competitors who perpetrate the fewest in all three puzzles.

If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary prize in the series, the amount of the smaller prize will be deducted. This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the list relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.

OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.

⁂ PRIZES to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved for competitors living abroad) are offered for the best solutions of the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.

1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.

2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.

3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.

4. Send by post to Editor, GIRL’S OWN PAPER, 56, Paternoster Row, London. “Puzzle Poem” to be written on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.

5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland will be March 17, 1899; from Abroad, May 17, 1899.

* * * * *

The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or age.

OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.

A LITTLE EXILE.

A STORY IN MINIATURE.

FIRST PRIZE (£2 2s.).

Eva Mary Allport, Earl’s Court, S.W.

SECOND PRIZE (£1 1s.).

Jessie E. Jackson, Beverley, E. Yorks.

THIRD PRIZE (10s. 6d.).

M. F. Jamieson, Portbello, N.B.

HONOURABLE MENTION.

Ethel Mary Wake Cleveland, Bedford; Mary Adèle Venn, West Kensington Park, W.; A. Abigail Binns, Rochdale; Edith Alice White, Balham, S.W.; Mabel Moscrop, Saltburn-by-the-Sea; Frances Carr, Princes Park, Liverpool; L. M. Barber, Brixton, S.W.; Edith B. Jowett, Grange-over-Sands; Mary Amelia Rudd, Bussage, near Stroud; Rose S. Bracey, Hastings; Margaret E. Crellin, Longsynt, Manchester; G. M. Lang, Sunderland; Lucy Richardson, York; Ellen M. Price, South Shields; Kate Kelsey, Montpelier, Bristol; R. Holman, Paris; Mary Maile, Provost Road, N.W.; Minnie Curry, Bradford, York; Annie C. Herbertson, Ealing, W.; Margaret Taylor, Birkdale, Lancashire; Lucy Bourne, Winchester; Bessie Hine, South Tottenham, N.; C. Winifred Dyer, Wandsworth, S.W.

* * * * *

DEAR MR. EDITOR,—I have given very careful consideration to the Prize Competition papers on _A Little Exile_, and am sending a list of those which seem most to deserve the awards.

The selection has been the less easy since the papers present a very general level of excellence, and are all intelligently written, showing that the story has been carefully read.

Some few exceed the prescribed space, and others fall into the very natural error of enlarging on the opening incidents of the tale and leaving out a few lines for its development and conclusion.

Those contributors selected for prizes have, it seems to me, best observed the balance and proportion of the story, and have thus given the fairest idea of what it is all about.

But it gives me much pleasure to praise, with scarcely a reservation, the care and neatness which the many aspirants have bestowed on their papers; the correctness of the spelling, and the legibility of the writing.

May I venture to hint that a little more care given to punctuation would, in this instance, have still further lightened the reader’s pleasant task.

Faithfully yours,
LESLIE KEITH.

⁂ We quite endorse all that the Author says in the above letter.—ED.

OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.

STORIES IN MINIATURE.

_Subject:_—“THE G. O. P. SUPPLEMENT FOR FEBRUARY.”

UP-TO-DATE MAIDENS: A STORY FROM WOMAN’S CLUBLAND.

BY JEAN A. OWEN, Author of “Candalaria,” etc.

We offer three prizes of TWO GUINEAS, ONE GUINEA, and HALF-A-GUINEA for the three best papers on our “Story Supplement” for this month. The essays are to give a brief account of the plot and action of the story in the Competitor’s own words; in fact, each paper should be a carefully-constructed _Story in Miniature_, telling the reader in a few bright words what THE GIRL’S OWN STORY SUPPLEMENT for the month is all about.

One page of foolscap only is to be written upon, and is to be signed by the writer, followed by her full address, and posted to The Editor, GIRL’S OWN PAPER, in an unsealed envelope, with the words “Stories in Miniature” written on the left-hand top corner.

The last day for receiving the papers is February 20th; and no papers can in any case be returned.

_Examiners:_—The Author of the Story (Jean A. Owen), and the Editor of THE GIRL’S OWN PAPER.