&c.

This is the _gourmand_ all forlorn, who dreamed of the table where
diners sat, served by the cooking-wench florid and fat, &c.

This is the postman who knocked in the morn awaking the _gourmand_ all
forlorn from his dream of the table, &c.

And this is _Jack_ (with a face of scorn), thinking in wrath of
"directions" torn from the parcel by Railway borne, announced by the
postman who knocked in the morn, awaking the _gourmand_ all forlorn,
who dreamed of the table where diners sat, served by the cooking-wench
florid and fat of the dame with the crumpled hat, wife of the
porter who "found" the "birds" in the Babel where lost was the label
addressed to the friend who expected the Grouse that _Jack_ shot!

MORAL.

If in the Shooting Season you some brace of birds would send
(As per letter duly posted) to a fond expectant friend,
Pray remember that a railway is the genuine modern Babel,
And be very very careful _how you fasten on the label_!

* * * * *

A MUSICAL SUGGESTION.

(_CERTAINLY NEW AND ORIGINAL._)

Why doesn't one of our talented composers--Sir ARTHUR, or Mr.
MACKENZIE, or Mr. STANFORD, or Mr. EDWARD SOLOMON--write a Cantata,
entitled _The Weather?_ The subject is thoroughly English, and lends
itself so evidently to much variety in treatment. The title should be,
_The Weather: a Meteorological Cantata_.

It should commence with a hopeful movement, indicative of the views of
various people interested in the weather as to future probabilities.
The sportsman, the agriculturist, the holiday-maker, likewise the
livery-stable keeper, and the umbrella manufacturer would, _cum multis
aliis_, be all represented; Songs without Words; the Sailor's Hope;
then wind instruments; solo violin; the Maiden's Prayer for her
Sailor-love's Safety, &c. Then "as the arrows" (on the _Times_ chart)
"fly with the wind," so would the piccolo, followed by the trombone,
and thus the approach of the storm would be indicated. Roll on drum,
distant thunder; the storm passes off, and we have a beautiful air
(the composer's best), which delights and reassures us.

All at once, "disturbances advance from the Atlantic;" grand effect,
this!

Sudden Fall of Barometer! (This would be something startling on drum
and cymbals, with, on 'cello, a broken chord.) Momentary relief
of a "light and fresh breeze" (hornpipe), interrupted by showers
from the West and winds from the North; then strong wind