sorbing the perspiration, they are very hot to the head. Excellent head linings may be made of flannel, cashmere, or even of sarsenet, or what is called silk-serge, with a coarse flannel at the back to give the necessary thickness, and act as an absorbent. Head linings should invariably be white or the natural colour of the material, as dyed stuffs in this position are especially liable to be dangerous, being readily acted upon by the perspiration of the forehead.
An advantage of not having a smooth-faced lining to hats is that the hat need not fit so tightly, for if the surface be somewhat rough, the hat will be supported by friction against the hair and skin. Hats should be perfectly fitted to the shape of the head, but should not be made tighter than is absolutely necessary. The soft-fitting brims are to be recommended, as they are more pliable to the shape of the head than hard brims.
In the matter of hats people are unfortunately very much at the mercy of the hatter, and I am therefore very pleased to be able to say that I have converted at least one fashionable hatter to rational views on the subject. My own hatter, Mrs. White, ladies' hatter, of 63, Jermyn Street, St. James's, has consented to adapt her hats to the principles here laid down; and her husband, gentleman's hatter, of 74 in the same street, has promised to do the same as regards the head-gear of the sterner sex.
If veils are worn, they should be of plain net or tulle, as spotted net is apt to dazzle the eyes. The
