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BAILEYANA.

Mr G. Walpole, one of the English members of the Willis-Byrom Club, writes: What is it about the composing stick that gives the man who wields it such a keen sense of the humorous accuracy of things, impelling him to correct the carefully thought out blunders of his author? Baileyana," the first of our Club reprints, contains a facsimile reproduction of "A pronouncing stenography, containing a complete system of Shorthand writing, governed by the analogy of sounds, and adapted to every language," published at St Albans, Vermont, in 1831. It also contains a copy of an edition of the same work published in 1852. In this letter there is a delightful instance of the superiority of compositor over author. Bailey, after elaborating his system to a certain point, writes of Contractions." He says-or said in his manuscript-" No very definite rules have ever been given, probably none ever can be, that will shorten writing more than the preceding; but rules partly defined and partly left to the discretion of the writer, may be given, which will still farther reduce the labor of writing without detracting materially from its legibility. Words thus written, for distinction's sake, are called contractions; while those which are governed by definite rules are called whole words.' I have italicized ore word; it came out, in the book as published, "distraction's" (!!)—a verbum with a great deal of sap.

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A SECRETARY MADE ASSISTANT

MINISTER OF CUSTOMS.

We notice from a recent number of the Toronto Globe that Mr John Bain, who was formerly Secretary to the Minister of Customs in the Canadian Government, has now been appointed Assistant Minister of Customs, with a seat in the Cabinet. This case is one evidently of strenuous endeavour and much hard work, where shorthand stood the successful secretary in good stead, and indeed is quite on a parallel with that of Mr Cortelyou, who was recently given a portfolio, and made a member of President Roosevelt's Cabinet. We quote from the Globe, which continues as follows:

Mr John Bain, whose appointment to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Customs is announced, is one of the keenest and brightest officers in the Civil Service. He was born at Paisley, Scotland, on 8th June, 1869, being a son of Mr Robert Bain, a drysalter there, and at present a dyer and manufacturing chemist in Paris, Ontario. Mr Bain was educated in the public schools of Paisley, and starting as an office boy, gradually worked himself up to the position of assistant cashier in the Walkinshaw Oil, Coal and Mining Co., near Glasgow. In 1888, he came to Canada with his parents, settling in Paris. For eight years he was engaged in law and newspaper work, being identified with the Brantford Expositor and with the Toronto Globe, as correspondent, and as an expert shorthand writer with the New York Law Courts. He organized and was the first President of the Young Men's Liberal Club in Paris, during his residence there. In August,

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To are in receipt of your favour of 7th inst., and note your comments on the sugar crop estimates, which show an increase for boot and cane over those of the previous season. Such figures are sufficient to justify the existing depression, but it must not be forgotton that many unforeseen contingencies may arise, which might entirely change the present gloomy complexion of the market.

With the approach of the Coronation, markets here have generally assumed a dull and uninteresting attitude -- which would no doubt become intensified, were the weather forecast more reassuring: cold and rainy weather we have experierced lately has greatly interfered with the development of several trades.

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The terrible disaster at St. Pierre and St. Vincent, from a purely commercial point of view, has influenced the market little, if at all. As you are aware, the West Indies have long ceased to be of importance in the sugar markets, and the sudden devastation of plantations, and the total disappearance of factories and stocks have failed to make the slightest impression on prices here.

The refining power of Gt. Britain has been increased by the reopening last month of a large works in Liverpool, which has a present output of about 1,000 tons per week; and carly next year the works of a well-known sugar refinery in Greenock will resulo operations. These are pleasant indications of the vitality of the sugar refining trade of the United Kingdom.

We remain, Gentlemen, Yours faithfully.

1896, he was appointed Private Secretary to the Minister of Customs, in which position by unvarying courtesy he has won the esteem of the public as well as of the politicians. Mr Bain accompanied the Hon. William Paterson to England last summer, where he performed most of the secretarial work connected with the trade questions discussed at the Colonial Conference. His services were also utilized in connection with the trade negotiations with the French Government in Paris. Mr Bain is peculiarly fitted for the position which he now fills. He has a talent for unravelling difficult problems, possesses a thorough knowledge of the tariff, is endowed with a genius for figures, and is a tireless worker."

MUSEUM OF BRITISH COINAGE.-An interesting building has been erected on Great Tower-hill, London, by the Mint authorities as a museum, to be opened to the public in the autumn, for specimens of British coins of every age and description. According to high authority the silver penny of King Alfred is the earliest authentic Saxon coin that can be traced with certainty to the London Mint.

THE LADY "SHORTHAND-TYPIST"

IN FRANCE.

The popular French monthly, Le Conseil des Femmes, in its issue for 15th July, devotes upwards of six pages to an article on this subject. The article, entitled "Une Carrière d'Avenir pour la Femme La Sténo-Dactylographie," contains a large amount of information with reference to the employment of women in France as "shorthand-typists,” the arrangements for tuition in stenography and typewriting, the means of obtaining employment, the examinations conducted by various bodies in the two subjects, the remuneration to be obtained, the demand for teachers, the qualifications required of candidates for employment in particular offices, and on many other points of interest to those concerned. It indulges in certain speculations as to the future prospects of the calling, and is written throughout in a tone of rational optimism.

In a sort of prefatory summary to the article, the author affirms that in the career open to women as shorthand-typists, so far from there being a plethora there is actually a "penury" of intelligent and well-educated applicants, and that although typewriting has only existed in France for about fifteen years, it is estimated that there are now in that country as many as 20,000 shorthand-typists. The future of the calling, he declares, is full of hope, for stenography which, with a rapidity eight times greater than that of ordinary writing, seizes the word "on the wing," and typewriting which transcribes the word with three times the promptitude of the pen, respond to the necessities of modern life, in which every minute has its value,- in the English phrase Time is money." The work is described to be agreeable and feminine, because it requires more attention than effort. And it affords openings for women of real capacity.

In the opinion of the writer of the article, shorthand requires fewer special aptitudes than most other callings, but it would be an error to conclude that it needs no greater capacity. Experience has shown that a solid foundation of knowledge, and a certain degree of "culture" are necessary, and those who are without these essentials would be well advised to seek some other occupation. It is desirable to add a "speciality" such as book-keeping, or a foreign language.

A knowledge of shorthand can be acquired in three months, but much longer time is needed to gain speed. The time varies with each individual, but the writer considers that to be able to take down 100 words per minute needs about one year's practice the speed required of commercial clerks and in the posts offered to women. Long and sustained toil is stated to be necessary in order to attain 120 to 150 words per minute.

There appears to be considerable provision for free teach. ing in communal schools and elsewhere. Classes are held for the most part once a week from November to Easter, they are public, and are open to persons of both sexes of the age of 15 years and upwards. A list is given of such classes in Paris. Various stenographic and educational associations undertake free teaching, ending the course with an examination and the presentation of prizes, etc.

Information is given concerning the paid teaching of shorthand. For lessons in class, 20 to 25 francs per month is charged, and for individual teaching from 3 to 5 francs per hour is asked, a complete course of individual instruction being given for from 120 to 150 francs. A number of schools or institutions have come into existence in which individual teaching is given in three courses, (1) an elementary course;

(2) an intermediate course in which speed practice is given from 50 to 100 words per minute; (3) an advanced course (100 to 200 words per minute). M. Buisson has opened a School of Shorthand in which instruction will only be given to those who first pass an examination in general knowledge, and he hopes thus to form an elite, who will gradually raise the profession. M. Buisson's innovation has the hearty approval of the writer of the article, who declares that it responds to a veritable need.

Within the last few years the opportunities for obtaining instruction in shorthand have multiplied. Already, with the sanction of the State, 551 classes have been formed in 517 institutions" lycées," colleges, and normal and primary schools. The subject has taken its place in professional schools, in several of the schools of commerce, and in the special commercial classes instituted by the city of Paris.

Brief reference is made to shorthand teaching for the blind, and the author then passes on to consider typewriting, which he describes as a "complement" to the study of shorthand. Apparently, as he points out, typewriting is a simple thing which can be learned in an hour; but to gain skill involves practising several hours daily for six months. Before seeking employment one ought to be able to manipulate the writing machine at 50 words per minute, a speed which, in the writer's opinion, should go hand in hand with 100 words per minute in shorthand. Higher rates-70 or 80 words per minute-are attained with difficulty.

In this subject too there is gratuitous teaching, but on a smaller scale than in shorthand. Attention is called to the various facilities existing in Paris and in the provinces for obtaining instruction in this art both freely and for payment, and a useful list of teaching institutions is supplied.

For those who are unable to obtain personal lessons in shorthand from a teacher there are courses of correspondence lessons, for which the usual charge is stated to be from 15 to 20 francs a month.

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At the Shorthand Congress in 1889 it was predicted that women would take a large place in shorthand work," and the prophecy has been justified by events.

The writer estimates that at the present time the number of shorthand-typists of the fair sex in France is three times greater than that of the shorthand-typists of the other sex. He fears that the rapid and inconsiderate production of shorthand-typists is likely to bring about a lowering of salaries, and a depreciation of the profession. He has the same story to tell that we are familiar enough with in England, of swarms of young women, without knowledge and without competence, who think that a few months' instruction in shorthand and typewriting will enable them to earn a good living. And he suggests that instruction in shorthand, instead of being thrown open to everybody, should be restricted to those who furnish evidence of at least elementary knowledge. As he justly remarks, the end in view in forming stenographers" should be quality rather than quantity. Another means of improving the profession would be, he thinks, the issue by the State of a diploma for stenographic knowledge. And, thirdly, the teaching of shorthand should be confined to those who can show themselves to be capable of teaching. Why not, asks the author, create a certificate of fitness to teach shorthand, such as is granted in relation to other subjects?

Then he would endeavour to convince employers that it would be to their benefit personally to require more knowledge from those whom they engage as shorthand typists, even though they should have to give a larger remuneration. For, by securing better educated workers, they will obtain from one work which, nowadays, they can only get from several. Obviously what is here intended to be pointed out is that a shorthand writer with a knowledge of a foreign language may cost more than one without that knowledge, but that after all the employer has not to engage another person to translate from that foreign language into French, or from French into that foreign language, a process that neutralizes much of the saving of time that the utilization of shorthand should effect.

CIVIL SERVICE NOTES.

BY A CIVIL SERVANT.

As there are no fewer than 150 vacancies for Clerkships of the Second Division of the Civil Service to be competed for on the 13th October next and following days, it will probably be of advantage to draw more particular attention to the various classes of candidate which the Commissioners evidently desire to attract.

The three obligatory subjects (1) Handwriting and Orthography, including Copying Manuscript; (2) Arithmetic, which, though easier than formerly, is anything but elementary, and (3) English Composition carry 600 marks each, and are mere guarantees of a fair ordinary education. The four optional subjects exert considerable stopping power, and it is probable that the Board School youth (Higher Grade or otherwise) rarely, if ever, passes this examination direct from school. Four subjects are perhaps taught: Nos. (5) Book-keeping and Shorthand; (6) Geography and English History; (10) Euclid I.-IV. and Algebra up to Binomial Theorem, and (11) Inorganic Chemistry and Physics, but the standard to which our Board Schools attain is far below that demanded by an open competitive examination.

INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

LONDON.

On Thursday evening, 13th August, the weekly meeting at the Arcadian in Queen street, was well attended. After the customary speed practice, Mr J. E. McLachlan, editor of Vim, gave an address entitled "What is 'Vim?'" After discussing the origin and etymology of the word, and describing it as practically synonymous with vigour, he proceeded to dwell upon the importance of cultivating vigour of body and mind, pointing out the necessity of a plentiful supply of fresh air, a sufficient but not an excessive amount of good food, and proper exercise. In the course of his remarks he touched incidentally on the folly of eating a hasty breakfast, hurrying to the train, taking a mere "snack" in the middle of the day, and a heavy meal in the evening-practices indulged in by so many business men and women in the present day. Referring to the need for exercise for promoting vigour of mind and will, he made some humorous suggestions for the avoidance of examination nervousness, adapting for that purpose a number of exercises given in Ebbard's "Will-Power" for the prevention of the analogous disorder stage-fright."

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After some comments by Messrs H. J. Cork, W. D. Stevens, and the Chairman (Mr E. A. Cope), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.

The program for the autumn and winter session is in an advanced state of preparation, and includes some interesting lectures by well known men. Phonographers desirous of being supplied with copies should apply (enclosing stamped addressed envelope) to Mr H. J. Cork, 2 Reedholm road, Stoke Newington, London, N., who will be happy to forward them as soon as they are ready.

The commercial or modern side of the public schools, and those schools which prepare for London University or other degrees have a decided opening here, for no fewer than six of the Second Division optional subjects may be offered at the London Matriculation examination, and Precis-writing, included in subject No. 4, is prescribed in the Matriculation English paper. Besides this three languages are compulsory INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

in the London Inter. Arts School, and in October next Second Division students will be allowed to offer any two of Latin, French, and German. With six months' work in the special Civil Service subjects, any youth who had passed London Matriculation ought to secure a Second Division Clerkship, and the tendency of the age to cater specially for the non-Board School youth is further evidenced in the recently revised Regulations for Fourth Class Clerkships, London County Council, which accept, in lieu of the usual examination, candidates who have passed an examination of the London Matriculation standard, and in the fact that private and joint stock banks, insurance offices, etc., rarely appoint in their service youths who state that they have been educated at the public expense.

An examination is announced for Inspectors of Ordnance Machinery. Candidates must not be over 25 years of age, and the subjects are (1) English Composition (500 marks), (2) Mathematics (1,500 marks), (3) Mechanism (1,500), (4) Chemistry (500), (5) Electricity and Magnetism (500). Applications should be made at once to the Civil Service Commission for a form of entry, and all candidates must be thoroughly competent engine fitters and turners, having had regular occupation as such in some well-established workshop for a period of not less than three years. Further details of the examination, and a syllabus of the requirements in Mechanism, Chemistry, and Electricity, are contained in the regulations issued by the War Office. Previous papers set at examinations for Inspectors of Ordnance Machinery do not appear to be procurable, but the papers set at the three last examinations for Second Division Clerks and the three last for Male Sorters, General Post Office, can be obtained from Messrs Eyre & Spottiswoode, price 6d. per set.

BRITISH MUSEUM NEWSPAPER LIBRARY.-It is expected that the newspaper branch of the British Museum at Colin Dale, Hendon, will be completed within six months. It is proposed to store all the provincial papers there, but those who want to look up back files must give at least twenty-four hours' notice, and the volumes will be conveyed as required to the Museum by vans.

EXAMINATIONS FOR STUDENTS.

Elementary, Theory, and Speed examinations will be held on Friday, 25th Sept., from 8 to 9.30 pm. Last day for receiving entries, Saturday, 12th Sept. The Elementary examination is based on a knowledge of the "Teacher "' up to and including Exercise 57. The Theory examination is based on a knowledge of the "Manual" or "Instructor," Part I. The Speed examination will comprise the following tests: 60 and 80 words per minute for three minutes each; 100, 120, 140, 150 and 160 words per minute for five minutes each. All reprints of Elementary and theory papers (with the exception of June last) are out of print. Fees to members' students, 6d. each. Fees to non-members' students, Is. each. All applications and inquiries should be addressed to the General Sec., Mr W. H. Jones, 8 Birch grove, Rusholme, Manchester.

MANCHESTER DISTRICT.

The quarterly meeting of the above District will be held at the Marsden Café, Marsden street, Manchester, on Saturday, 5th Sept. The Council meet at 3.15. and the general meeting will commence at 4 pm. Among the items of the agenda are the following: Model Lesson on the Vocalization of the pl and pr series, by Mr G. Bletcher; discussion by Mr W. Lord (Farnworth). Tea at 5 30. Paper on "Reason or Rote in the Teaching of Shorthand," by Mr G. F. Sandiford, Manchester (Examiner in Shorthand and Typewriting to the Lancashire and Cheshire Union of Institutes); paper on Essentials," by Mr V. E. Collinge (Preston); open discussion.

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LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The Editor will be greatly obliged by receiving marked copies of any local journals that contain paragraphs or comments on subjects likely to be of interest to the readers of this Journal.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Bolton and District S.W.A. will be held in the Clarence street Municipal School on Thursday, 10th Sept., at 7.30 p.m., and the committee earnestly request all intending members to be present. The first meeting of the Association will be held on the Thursday following, when a lantern lecture will be given by Mr Taylor, the subject being "Sir Isaac Pitman."

A meeting of shorthand writers was held on Tuesday evening, 16th August, at Short's Coffee Tavern, High street, Bristol, with the object of forming a Shorthand Writers' Association in Bristol. Mr A. J. Tonkin presided, and after considerable discussion with regard to the objects of such an association, it was decided, on the motion of Mr E. J. Hawkins, seconded by Mr C. G. Gosney, that an association be formed, and that a provisional committee, consisting of Messrs G. T. Payne, W. H. Taylor, S. H. Morgan, W. Stride, A. J. Tonkin, W. Jenkins, and Mrs Tonkin, draw up a program to be submitted at a meeting fixed for 25th August. It was mentioned that twenty-six amateur and professional writers had expressed their willingness to join the association, the primary object of which will be the increase of speed in shorthand writing, although papers on theory and other matters were also suggested and favourably regarded. The secretary, pro tem., is Mr G. T. Payne, 13 Milsom street, Stapleton road, Bristol.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Teachers of Phonography and Secretaries of Shorthand Writers' Associations are invited to send us Announcements of Classes, Meetings, Lectures, Discussions, etc., for this column. Announcements are inserted free of charge.

MIDDLESBROUGH. Wade's Business Training College. Principal, H. Wade.-Open day and evening for tuition to ladies, gentlemen, and juniors in shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, handwriting, arithmetic, etc. Hours 10-1, 3-5, 30-9. Prospectus free on application.

||SOUTHAMPTON.-Mr C. Reed, M.I.P.S., 34 Kent road, St Denys, resumes his classes in shorthand and mathematics on 1st Sept. Preparation for all exams. For terms apply as above.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Answers to all inquiries relating to Shorthand, Typewriting, Commercial Education, Commercial Law, the Civil Service, and kindred subjects, will be published as soon after receipt as possible, but correspondents are requested to bear in mind that in some instances research taking time may be needful before satisfactory information can be furnished, and also that this Journal is sent to press eleven days in advance of the date of publication. Correspondents can be answered under initials or a pseudonym, whichever they prefer, but their names and addresses must be forwarded as a guarantee of good faith. All letters of inquiry should be addressed EDITOR, PITMAN'S PHONETIC JOURNAL, PHONETIC INSTITUTE, Bath.

OUTLINES.-Lecteur should use the outline for common.— Phonics is advised that the word garden is vocalized in accordance with the directions for short dot vowels in rule 157, the a in the word being regarded as a short vowel.-In answer to A. G., we do not recommend phonographers to use either of the forms he submits for the phrase you have; the words do not admit of being written as a phrase.-Perseverance submits a list of phrases; with the exception of the fourth and eleventh we consider them good ones.

ATTAINMENT OF SPEED.-Primus has reached a speed of 60 words a minute, but finds a difficulty in increasing it, although he has regular practice every day. -As he is attending a class, his best course would be to consult his teacher. Possibly he does not practise for a sufficiently long time, or with the right class of dictation matter. If he is desirous of getting up a good speed for any particular purpose, he would do well to select matter for dictation similar to that which he would be called on to take down in actual practice. On points such as these the advice of a teacher acquainted with his personal attainments and aspirations must be sought.

SUGGESTIONS.-G. H. is thanked for bis suggestions. The shorthand learners who use the reading practice we provide form such a large proportion of the total of our readers that we consider them entitled to the space devoted to their special requirements. With regard to sermons in the Reporting Style, we should be willing to give more if phonographers would be content to read

them for the shorthand alone. We give speeches and sermons which appear to us to be most useful for the outlines and phrases they exhibit, but some readers, overlooking this fact, regard the selections with quite unnecessary suspicion or hostility.

TURNING SCHOOLMASTER.-J. D. S. takes exception to the remark in Mr Reed's opening sentence in his article on "Qualifications for a Reporter," reproduced in shorthand in our issue of 8th August. It is, no doubt, impossible in the present day for a man who fails in any other profession to buy a pair of spectacles and turn schoolmaster. The practice, however, was quite common when Mr Reed in 1854 wrote the classic essay we have lately reproduced for the information and instruction of the present generation of phonographers.

MIND WANDERING.-Wishy-Washy asks our advice as to mind wandering. He is a typist who has to deal with all kinds of documents, but finds it impossible to concentrate his mind for any length of time on his work He has also to undertake the sorting of quantities of correspondence and, as we gather from his letter, has a difficulty in dealing with this satisfactorily for the same reason. If our correspondent falls into errors or omissions through not applying his mind properly to the typewriting work he has in hand, we advise him to make a resolute effort to overcome this tendency. He should make it a rule never to type any document in a mechanical way, but to pay attention to the sense of what is before him. This will soon become a valuable mental habit, which will enable him to execute his work accurately and acceptably. In sorting operations he should pay attention to the establishment of a good method of work, and in a very short time he will find that this will conduce largely to accuracy and rapidity. Any mechanical expedients which are likely to prove helpful should be adopted.

CHANGE OF POSITION.-Faint Heart is altogether too diffident about his qualifications for a position in an office. The fact that he has gained half-a-dozen certificates, and writes a useful business hand, (which may be improved with care and practice), and has a liking for office work, indicate, we consider, that there is nothing to prevent him from becoming successful in this vocation. He seems to be filling his present position acceptably, and would be well advised to go on discharging its duties to the best of his ability, devoting his spare time to the improvement of himself in such branches of knowledge as appear desirable. He will then have done the best that lies in his power to equip himself for a better position, whenever one offers. It is not always possible to secure a post with a firm whose business commends itself to the private judgment or inclinations of the clerk, but this consideration should not be allowed to deter him from securing the best position for the exercise of his abilities which is within his reach.

ABBATOIR ACCOUNTS.-H. inquires for a book dealing with accounts in connection with an abbatoir and cold storage business. Can any reader recommend a work of this description ?

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS.-Excel is informed that he cannot become a chartered accountant without being articled to a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for three years; there Parare three examinations, the first of which is educational. ticulars may be obtained from the Secretary, Moorgate place, London, E.C. As a clerk in an ordinary commercial office could not take up these examinations, he would do well to prepare for the London Chamber of Commerce certificates; particulars relative to those which would be most useful to Excel can be obtained from Pitman's Metropolitan School.

SOLICITORS' BOOK-KEEPING.-W. M. W. asks for our opinion as to the best system of book-keeping for a solicitor's office.Kain's system is well adapted to the peculiarities of a solicitor's business, and to the kind of monetary transactions that usually take place in connection with that business. Many methods, some of them very imperfect, are in vogue in legal offices. A simple plan is to keep (1) a cash book, entering in it all receipts from every source under appropriate headings, and all payments by cheque, all receipts being, of course, paid into the bank; (2) a petty cash book, showing all payments made by cash; (3) a costs ledger, in which every bill delivered will be entered on the day of delivery against the name of the client chargeable with it; (4) an ordinary ledger in which the entire receipts and payments will be entered under appropriate headings in the usual way The day-book in use in commercial houses is not wanted, the details of each day's transactions appearing in the "entries," or draft costs dictated daily to the shorthand clerk.

SOLICITORS'

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION.-In reply to A. E. H., it is very difficult to say what are the best books to study for the Solicitors' Preliminary examination. The subjects are those ordinarily taught at a good secondary school, and any of the numerous text-books usually employed at such schools will serve. If A. E. H. has any difficulty in making a selection he might ascertain from the Birmingham and Midland Institute (as he appears to live near that city) the text-books in use in the classes in those subjects at that institution, and use these for the purposes of study. Copies of the papers set at previous examinations can be obtained from Law Notes office, Chancery lane, London, W.C., or from the Kelly Law Book Company, Carey street, London, W.C.

THIRD WRITERS H.M. NAVY AND DOCKYARD WRITERS.H. S. asks whether one has to join the service as Third Writer and then seek promotion as Dockyard Writer.-It does not seem to be so. Third Writers are appointed after perfectly open competition, and of the examination and prospects for this post full particulars were given on pages 538 and 558 in the issues of this Journal for the 4th and 11th July last. Dockyard Writers appear to be selected after further examination from the class of "Third Writers," and particulars of these posts can be obtained from the Admiral or Captain Superintendent of the particular Dockyard which the candidate desires to enter. From the Regulations for Third Writers it appears that a knowledge of typewriting and shorthand is very desirable, but not essential. We have never said that a candidate must take with him to the ship on the day of examination a testimonial from his employer; we said he must take a certificate of his birth, evidence of previous occupation, and an unbroken record of very good character and conduct. Anybody's spelling exercises will do for the examination; Pitman's Copy books, English Composition, Commercial Geography and Commercial Arithmetic cover the rest of the ground, except Copying MS., for which try Pitman's Metropolitan School. Further information about writers in H.M. Navy will be found on page 684.

ASSISTANTS OF EXCISE.-T. A. is 21 years of age, and desires to enter the Civil Service-preferably the Excise. He holds the Senior Commercial Certificate of the Lancashire and Cheshire Institute, and is Third Prizeman this year.-Two Excise examinations are held yearly, and T. A. should sit for that held in November, 1903, and again in May, 1904, if necessary. The subjects are Handwriting, English Composition, including Orthography-an essay and an exercise in Précis-writing are always given; Arithmetic to vulgar and decimal fractions; Higher Arithmetic and Mensuration, Square and Cube Root and Logarithms (the Tutorial Arithmetic, Clive and Co. is a good one), Geography, generalPitman's Commercial Geography (price 2s. 6d.) must be mastered for this. Go right through Pitman's Indexing and Précis-writing, and it is decidedly advisable to take a correspondence course for this particular examination. As you will compete against 700 or 800 other candidates, it is obvious that you must work hard and employ conscientiously every minute of spare time you have.

SORTERS, MALE, G.P.O.-J. H. M. asks for particulars.-He will see on page 657 of the Journal for 15th Aug. that an examination is announced for this post, and 30 vacancies will be competed for on the 30th Sept. The form of application should be obtained from the Civil Service Commission, Burlington gardens, London, W., filled up and returned at once. The age limits are 18-21, and the examination subjects are: Handwriting; Dictation or a misspelt passage for correction; Arithmetic, two papers, one elementary of about 25 simple sums and one of five or six problems; English Composition and General Geography. The medical examination for Male Sorters is rather severe, but the Commissioners do not state that spectacles are a bar to service in this or any other branch of the Post Office.

SHIP'S PURSER.-Undecided needs influence in order to obtain this position; he would, however, have to serve first as purser's clerk. The special knowledge requisite would be acquired in this capacity. Unless our correspondent has some experience of maritime affairs, we are afraid that his chance of obtaining occupation of this kind is remote. He would be well advised to improve his commercial education through the medium of any available classes in handwriting and other subjects in which improvement is needful.

TICKET WRITING.-W. E. S., inquires for a work on ticket writing. Can any reader recommend such a book?

HANDWRITING.-J. G. writes a neat, regular round hand, which would be suitable for book-keeping; he could, however, still further improve it by using Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series copy book, No. 19, as a model.-The same copy book may be recommended to W. J. W.; he should form small e in one way only, and that the usual way.-S. B. H. might develop his handwriting into a good business style by the avoidance of flourishes and exaggerated loops; capitals also need improvement.J. D. S.'s handwriting is fairly good, but he should learn to join his letters, and his capitals need improvement.-W. M. W. should endeavour to cultivate a more round and regular style of handwriting for legal work; his present method is not suited for a solicitor's office; he might take Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series, No. 17 copy book, as a model.-Senior might with advantage cultivate the style shown in the book just mentioned.-Rex will find a suitable copy for engrossing hand in Vere Foster's Original Series Copy Book No. 10, Plain and Ornamental Lettering, which should be carefully practised with a good flexible nib.

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MISCELLANEOUS.-P. J. C. would do well to consult the newspapers and the literary journals for the advertisements of secondhand booksellers; we are unable to furnish the information in this column.-J. R. H. would be well advised to write to any of the principal dealers in violins in London; we cannot specially recommend anyone, but names and addresses may be found in the London directory.-Phono is informed that most of the positions as private secretary are secured through personal recommendation. For full guidance as to the qualifications, etc., for such a post he should consult "How to Become a Private Secretary" (Fisher Unwin, price is.). His association with the Press should furnish him with a useful training for the position.-If X. Y. Z. is able to devote the time he mentions to French and book-keeping, we consider that he might reasonably expect to secure the certificates he mentions next spring. He would, however, find it most advantageous to attend either School Board or similar classes, and secure preparation and guidance, entering for the examination through such classes.-W. A. G. is excellently equipped for business life; relative to the positions which he has the opportunity of entering, we consider that the post under the Natal Government Railway would be most likely to lead to future advancement.-W. T. B. will find in some of the larger French grammars lists of the principal French verbs requiring special prepositions. Such lists are given in De Fivas' "Grammaire des Grammaires (Crosby Lockwood and Son, price 2s. 6d.). We know of no work on "teaching as a profession' which would help Lecteur.-H. M. will find, if he tries again, that the answer given to our Book-keeping paper No. 69 is correct.W. M. W. is advised that " Pitman's Pocket Dictionary of the English Language (price 2s.) will meet his requirements.-The correct apostrophe in the case C. P. R. mentions is, Brown's boots are unequalled.-A correspondent at Liverpool, whose pseudonym we are quite unable to decipher, writes about the use of the apostrophe, and tells us that the following illustration is official, viz.: Nurse's Home. We can only say that it is incorrect, simply because the noun is a plural noun. As it stands it would appear that the institution is the home of an individual nurse and not of a body of nurses.-In order to obtain a position in the Civil Service, Patsey would require to pass both an educational and a medical examination; the only openings which appear to us to be within his reach are in connection with the Post Office. He would do well to consult "Cassell's Guide to Employment in the Civil Service" (price is.) for guidance. From what he has told us about his qualifications, we think, however, that he would be better qualified for a position as shorthand clerk in a house of business, and we should recommend him to endeavour to obtain an appointment of this kind in some of the larger towns in Ireland by answering advertisements.-Civilian will find all he needs in the "Guide" just mentioned.-E. J. J. is advised that it would be incorrect to use the prefix Messrs to the name of a company which does not include the name or names of any particular person or persons.-Y. N. B. is informed that "Legal Terms, Phrases, and Abbreviations" commenced in this Journal for 3rd January last, and has been continued weekly; back numbers may be ordered from any bookseller or newsagent. "Pitman's Commercial Law" is very suitable as an introduction to this branch of the law.-G. P. should compare his translation with that given in our issue of 15th Aug.; with a little perseverance he will be able to do good work. If R. P. has no knowledge of French, it would be useless for him to take up a course of Commercial French; it would be impossible for him to attempt this subject till he has a fairly good knowledge of the language.-A number of replies are unavoidably held over.

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