them seemed sufficiently stable. Six men have been
tried, but at present without result. Well, if nothing is done by
to-morrow morning, I shall go into the country for a little shooting.
_Fido_ is quite ready--he has his coat out, his moustache curled, and
can carry a bag in his mouth. He is very good at tricks too. Altogether
a thorough sporting dogue.

_Friday._--Back again. Others being unable to form a Cabinet, have
formed one myself. Think it will hold together, but one never knows. So
far we have had an overwhelming vote of confidence. Put it to the
Members whether we might do what we pleased with the windows. "Yes," and
"Urgency" voted almost simultaneously. No doubt a veritable triumph!

_Saturday._--Everything went smoothly until the afternoon, when a Deputy
wished to know the correct time. Minister of Education gave it as a
quarter to six. It was proved that he was wrong. He should have said ten
minutes to the hour. Serious Ministerial crisis in consequence. Fearful
excitement. A Bill brought in and passed legalising everything that four
men and a boy might decide. Ministry forced to protest; turned out in
consequence. Base ingratitude; but a time will come! Generally hop in
and out of office twice in a fortnight. Quite accustomed to it. Good
exercise.

_Sunday._--Released from my Ministerial duties. Shall have a day's
shooting with _Fido_ in consequence. But I must be back again to-night,
because I am sure to be expected to form a New Ministry to-morrow!

* * * * *

_Query._--Why cannot Mr. GLADSTONE eat more than two-thirds of a rabbit,
whether boiled or curried? _Answer._--It does not matter what Mr.
GLADSTONE or anybody else can do, as nobody can eat _a rabbit (w)hole_.

* * * * *

[Illustration: KINDLY MEANT.

"WHERE ARE YOU STAYING? I'LL CALL AND SEE YOU."

"DON'T! YOU'LL ONLY THINK THE WORSE OF ME WHEN YOU SEE
MY SURROUNDINGS!"

"OH, MY DEAR FELLOW, THAT'S _IMPOSSIBLE_, YOU KNOW!"]

* * * * *

"SMALL BY DEGREES, AND BEAUTIFULLY LESS."

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I see that the authorities at Monte Carlo very properly
have refused permission to Doctors, their wives and families, to visit
the tables of the Casino. I have not yet ascertained the reason for the
prohibition, but no doubt it is because the "powers that be" consider
Physicians too valuable to the community to run the risk of e