or lisp him.
I've not a doubt that, whoever he is, he is probably liked and
considered by some a gem.
Gyp. Chamberlainianum has a political sound, and has a strong
savour of a floral Brummagem.

And then comes "Odont. vex. Bleui splendidissimum," which sounds
like an appeal for "_Two Lovely Blue Eyes_."
But if it means something entirely different, I shall hear it
without the smallest surprise.
In fact, looking further, I find, it's "an artificial hybrid from
Odont. vexillarium x Odont. Roezlii." That's a staggerer.
But Dend. phalaenopsis Schroderae Dellense is a still bigger
horticultural swaggerer.
O. Coradenei! likewise O. Crispum! I only wish that your
Godmother, Flora,
Would insist upon shorter and more intelligible names for her
modern offspring. By bright Aurora,
I can't go on worshipping at your floral shrine if the ritual is
polyglot gibberish, and what's more, I won't, Ma'am.
In the word (queerly spelt) of which you seem very fond, I
earnestly say, Flower Goddess, Odont. Ma'am!!!

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE RACE FOR THE COUNTRY. WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL.

(_By Our Americanised Artist._)]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

[Illustration: "Standing at Bar."]

_Thursday, June 9._--The great strength of the Liberal Party lies in
its illimitable resources of Leadership. When in ordinary times Mr. G.
is away, there is either the SQUIRE OF MALWOOD or JOHN MORLEY to take
his place. Now, in these last days of dying Parliament, the Squire
follows Mr. G.'s leadership even to extent of stopping away from
House. JOHN MORLEY been here for short while to-night, but as soon as
he saw House comfortably in Committee he, too, departed. Seemed as
if Opposition, thus deserted, would stagger blindly on till it fell
in some ditch. At critical moment BOBBY SPENCER quietly appeared
on scene; naturally and irresistibly dropped into seat of Mr. G. on
otherwise almost empty front Bench. No sounding of drums or braying of
trumpets. BOBBY quietly walks up, brushing past ATHERLY JONES standing
at the Bar, and takes his proper place.

[Illustration: "Question! Question!"]

Effect upon House instant and soothing. Prince ARTHUR looks up
relieved. No one more interested in presence of strong hand