A lot of mothers of young children seemed to need help this time, but never fear — we do have those perennial questions about relations between the sexes. Whatever do you suppose she’s going to say to the question about kissing?

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I have a boy between fifteen and sixteen years of age, who is very awkward at all times, and sometimes positively rude both at home and in company. What can I do to correct his faults? – Aunt Laura.

Your boy is just at an age when much patience and tact is required on the part of the mother and sister. Many a boy has been tempted to leave home at this age, because of the frequent “don’ts” and “scoldings.” Be patient, kind, and forbearing with him, and correct his faults by continual warmth of love and an apparent forgetfulness of his awkward ways. Bye and bye your boy will change and his rudeness will turn to gentleness.

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I am living in the country and am frequently troubled with felons on my fingers. Can you suggest something to give relief quickly? – Margaret.

When you first feel that prickling sensation which indicates a felon coming, dip the finger quickly ten or fifteen times in a cup of boiling water. Repeat this several times during the day. It will usually check the gathering. If, however, it goes on, use the following: Heat four spoonsful of vinegar and one spoonful of salt peter together until dissolved, then thicken with wheat bran, and apply as a poultice. Change often and in twenty-four hours it will draw to a head.

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Is it proper for a young lady to ask a gentleman friend to escort her home from an informal evening gathering or meeting? – Grace.

Yes, it is quite proper, especially if the hour be late or you have far to go. But you should not ask a stranger or one of very short acquaintance to accompany you.

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My little girl is disposed to stoop or become round shouldered. Can you suggest a simple cure? – Mary W.

Balancing or carrying light weights on the head, such as a book, with the shoulders thrown back, will do more to straighten a child disposed to stoop than any of the fancy appliances. Of course some children may have disease of the spine which will require skillful surgical treatment.

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How can I use the bleached leaves, outside stalks and roots of celery to save them. – Mrs. M.

Some can be used to flavor soup or to make celery soup; but as you probably have an abundance at this time of year, wash the stalks and leaves well, scrape the roots and clean thoroughly, then spread on a clean tin and set in a warm oven. When perfectly dry, powder and pack in a glass jar to be used to flavor soups, sauces, etc.

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How long should a young lady go with a young man before becoming engaged, and then how long after the engagement before marriage? – Violet.

Much depends on the age and circumstances of both. Of course parents should always be consulted about such matters. Young people should not be hasty in becoming engaged, as many times infatuation is mistaken for love, and what would satisfy a girl of eighteen would not be her ideal at twenty-three or twenty-four. Many divorces come because of too hasty marriages. Talk with your mother, my dear girl, and be willing to be guided by her advice.

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My children are frequently troubled with tooth-ache, in the night time. Can you give me some remedy to ease the pain until a dentist can be consulted? – Anxious Mother.

Oil of cloves is the best remedy. If the tooth has a cavity, dip a very small piece of medicated cotton in the oil and put it in the cavity, using a tooth pick or small darning needle. If you have no oil of cloves, sometimes a strong solution of salt and vinegar, held in the mouth a few minutes will give relief. Or paregoric rubbed on the gums. Soaking the feet in hot water often eases the pain. I would advise you to always keep a small bottle of oil of cloves and some medicated cotton in the house, in case of emergency. The cotton is useful for so many purposes.

Do not get vexed or irritated with your children when they have the tooth-ache. Very often your warmth of love will ease the pain.

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My boys often have trouble with rusty nails running in their feet. Please give me a remedy. – Mary S.

Apply turpentine immediately; after which bind on rancid bacon or tobacco which has been soaked in water or carbolized salve. If the member become swollen bathe frequently with hot water to which has been added a few drops of carbolic acid; or bathe with hot alcohol after which apply the bacon or tobacco. To heat alcohol put bottle containing alcohol in pan of hot water, or heat plate and pour alcohol on. never use near a fire as it ignites very quickly. Always keep carbolic acid fro reach of children.

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Should a young girl ask a man to her home? – Lucille.

There would be no harm providing he is a proper person for you to associate with; however, it would be much better for the young man to ask if he could come to your home, rather than for you to invite him.

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If “A Young Reader,” and “M.S.E.” will each send a self-addressed stamped envelope, they will receive personal answers.

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Is an egg beaten up in a cup of new milk good for a year-old baby to drink? He likes it real well and would take two cups a day. What other food is good for him to eat? – Maud.

Do not give the egg and milk more than once a day, as two eggs per day would be too much of that solid food for so young a child. Bread and milk, boiled rice with milk, cream of wheat or graham mush, well cooked and given with milk; a small amount of stewed fruit or part of an orange are all good foods for him.

Milk is almost perfect food for a young child. Be sure that it is clean and unadulterated.

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How old should a girl be before she keeps company with young men, and should a young man kiss a young lady before leaving her? – R.D.

It depends much on the development and capability of the girl, as also on her mother’s opinion. I think not before seventeen, and eighteen would be better. When you commence going with a young man you lose your girlishness in a way, and you are apt to become attached and want to marry before you are capable of assuming such duties. To question No. 2 – decidedly not.