neteenth Century_,
an article on 'Political Lightning Conductors,' which, I rather flatter
myself, will comprehend everything, convince everybody, and conciliate
even Professor TYNDALL. If you like I will read, from the
advance-sheets, a few passages which----"

But here I roused myself to determined resistance, and--awoke.

* * * * *

On the Wing.

In getting fair hold of the Coburg, Prince FERDINAND,
Bulgaria palpably thought she'd a "bird in hand,"
But the Prince and the Bulgars, when put to the push,
Will probably wish the "bird" back in the bush.

* * * * *

Illustration: "OVERLOOKED!"

FIELD-MARSHAL PUNCH (_to H.R.H._). "REALLY, YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, IN THE
PRESENT STATE OF OUR DEFENCES, _IS_ SIR EDWARD HAMLEY QUITE THE SORT OF
MAN TO BE _SHELVED?_"

[Sir EDWARD HAMLEY served in the Eastern Campaign of 1854-55, including
the affairs of Bulganac and McKenzie's Farm, the Battles of the Alma
(horse shot), Balaklava, and Inkerman (horse killed), the Siege and Fall
of Sebastopol, and repulse of the Sortie on the 26th October, 1854
(mentioned in Despatches, Medal with four clasps, Brevets of Major and
Lt.-Colonel, Knight of the Legion of Honor, Sardinian and Turkish
Medals, and 2nd Class of the Medjidie and C.B.). Sir _Edward Hamley_ is
the Author of _The Operations of War_, a work that may confidently be
characterised as one of the most valuable modern Military books
extant--"There exists nothing to compare with it in the English language
for enlightened, scientific, and sober teaching in the general art of
war"--_vide_ the _Times_ of 1st November, 1869. Served in the Egyptian
War of 1882, in command of the 2nd Division, and was present at the
Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, where he led the Division (received the thanks
of both Houses of Parliament, twice mentioned in Despatches, K.C.B.,
Medal with clasp, 2nd Class of the Osmanieh, and Khedive's
Star).--_Hart's Army List, July_ 1, 1887.]

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S MANUAL FOR YOUNG RECITERS.

The young Reciter is seldom happy in his delivery of blank verse. To
which the unsympathetic may retort, that he does not deserve to be. _Mr.
Punch_, however, recommends his pupils to treat such sneers with the
contempt they merit, and to study the little dramatic exercise which has
just been thrown off by a Blank Verse Bard who is kept on the premises.
It can be ann