The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-18

palung weather that can be imagined suppose most people have heard of the time-honored British superstitition concerning St. Swithin's day. which falls on July b. Legend has it that should ran rail on St. Swithin's day it will continue 10 rain for 40 days following; so Tar we have only covered a fortnight of the ground since the rainy saints an hipersary but the legend has been more scrupulously observed than ever before III my remembrance. Very unfortunately IL mas been period chosen by many charitable souls for al fresco entertain ments or the most brilliant and eiaborat ts description. The results have, of course, oeen oisappointing in the extreme, for, aitnouSh everyone has carried on" with courage born of desperation, no self respecting young woman cares to don the gauzy robes of fairy and dance on the sreehsWard in the face of an arriving or departing thunderstorm. But this is what has happened on several occasions recently and I heard Lady Curzon of kedleston lamenting the other day about the spoil sport weather that made the old English fair in Portman Square a rather dismal function. It had all been charmingiy arranged and the dresses worn by the aristocratic helpers were quite delightful in their Old World charm, but alas and alack the rain fell and the wind blew and the only people who looked really comfortable were the Princess Royal and her daugh- ter, Princess Maud, who both wore dark blue serge tailor-made dresses, fox furs and small close hats
 The queen has new kind of hat. saw her wearing it when she was looking at the pigs proudly exhibited by a Wandsworth allotment holder, upon whom she and the King conferred the honor Of visit recently. I don't know that this fashion note is a matter of na- tional importance, but it certainly de- serves mention because for years past the Queen has been faithful to two shapes" only one being a high-crowned, narrow-brimmed sailor shape with feath- CTS, or high. round toque embowered in flowers, with a high osprey or feather ornament slightly to the left of the front But on this expedition to the Wandsworth kitchen gardens of her hum- bier subjects her majesty wore decided ly becoming little flat shape of black straw that came well down over her pretty hair and had a decidedly youth eningl effect that I was pleased to see,
 Why is it that royalty in England is additionally devoted to particular shape of head covering? In my mind 1 will always associate the late Queen VIc- lOTld anu IlcI othlS ptO6lSSSeS lHTOuSt London, with small. round bonnet of black straw or satin according to the season. tied beneath the chin with white satin ribbon and having a small white ostrich feather disposed above the briln in front. In her country life large inu9hroom hat of straw "'-o cN'n-boHnl with white satin, was her only wear Queen Alexandra was identified for many years, 10th as Princess of Wales and Queen of England, by a tiny rimleas, close fitting bonnet that eminently suited her delicate oval face and bean tifully shared head. Nowadays, she ia- variae,g wears rather large toque with white or mauve flowers in front, or on
 occasions with rlur'c cr feeth ars or panache of jet. Queen Mary's head . gear has not changed in style since tho early days of the present reign, therefore feel that in mentioning an alteration in the royal millinery equipment I am mentioning a matter of real interest.
 LADY MARY.
 Copyright, 191S.)