ntently have they considered and been influenced by the
lowly origin of man, that with the most curious eye, and most
delicate finger, you shall not be able to tell where either saint
or dirt begins or ends."

In a "Man made of Money," we have something original--a dialogue between
two fleas, as they stand on the brow of Mr. Jericho--

"'My son,' says the elder, 'true it is, man feeds for us. Man is
the labouring chemist for the fleas; for them he turns the richest
meats and spiciest drinks to flea wine. Nevertheless, and I say it
with much pain, man is not what he was. He adulterates our tipple
most wickedly.'

"'I felt it with the last lodgers,' says the younger flea. 'They
drank vile spirits, their blood was turpentine with, I fear, a dash
of vitriol. How they lived at all, I know not. I always had the
headache in the morning. Here however,' and the juvenile looked
steadfastly down upon the plain of flesh, the wide champaign
beneath him--'here we have promise of better fare.'"

But Douglas Jerrold's best humour is usually rather in the narrative
and general issue than in any sudden hits or surprises. His "Sketches of
The English" are humorous and admirably drawn, but it would be difficult
to produce a single striking passage out of them. One of the most
amusing stories in his collection of "Cakes and Ale" is called "The
Genteel Pigeons."--A newly married couple return home before the end of
the honeymoon, but wish to keep their arrival secret. George Tomata, a
connection of the family, but unknown to Pigeon, calls at the house, and
is denied admittance by the servant, but Pigeon, happening to come down
asks if he has any message of importance to transact--

"'Not in the least, no--not at all,' answered Tomata leisurely
ascending the stairs, and with Mr Pigeon entering the drawing-room,
'So, the Pigeons are not at home yet eh?'

"'Mr. and Mrs. Pigeon the day of their marriage,' answered Pigeon
softly, 'went to Brighton.'

"'Ha! well, that's not three weeks yet. Of course, Sir, you are
intimate with Mr. Pigeon?'

"'I have the pleasure, sir,' said Samuel.

"'You lodge here, no doubt? Excuse me, although I have not with you
the pleasure--and doubtless it is a very great one--of knowing
Pigeon, still I am very intimate with his little wife.'

"'Indeed, Sir. I never heard her name--'