minated the word "enclosure"
from every dictionary he has been able to lay his hands on. He had
intended at first to admit nobody, but was overruled, and he cannot,
therefore, hold himself responsible for the presence of various people
who seemed to think that they ought to be treated like unseasonable
strawberries, first forced, then exhibited, and then swallowed.

* * * * *

An amusing incident is reported from the remote frontier village of
Pusterwitz in Moldavia. A cobbler who had manufactured the boots of
the Burgomaster ventured to submit his bill for payment. The populace,
infuriated by this insult to their beloved Magistrate, after binding
the offender in calf at the local publishing office, proceeded to
slice him into small pieces with their _schneide-messers_ (the
native knife), to the immense delight of a crowd of peasants from the
surrounding districts. The Burgomaster was much touched by this proof
of popular devotion.

* * * * *

GOING TOO FAST.--M. ALEXANDRE JACQUES, who is announced as "a rival to
SUCCI," is at this moment dispensing with food at the Royal Aquarium.
He intends carrying out this self-denying programme for two days
beyond a couple of score--possibly as a proof of his fortitude or (as
a Cockney would pronounce the word) "forty-two'd." The last time this
talented person dispensed with sustenance, was in Edinburgh, when he
did not partake of any meal in the Douglas Hotel for thirty days--a
feat, one would think, that must have been more interesting to the
Medical Profession than the proprietor of the hostelry. However, as
M. JACQUES fought for his country in 1870-71, he should be a most
pleasant guest for the next six weeks or so to dinner-givers with a
taste for economy.

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

_House of Commons, Monday, June 16._--"This is something like old
times," said TIM HEALY, briskly rubbing his hands. "Poor JOSEPH
GILLIS! pity he didn't live to see this night."

[Illustration: At Bay.]

Very like old times, indeed. Seventy questions on the paper, increased
fourfold by others put arising out of the answer. Practice is for
Irish Members to put question; Prince ARTHUR reads answer from
manuscript supplied from Irish Office; then uprise in succession
half-a-dozen other Irish Members, each asking fresh question. Prince
ARTHUR with o