--First catch your epigrams: preserve
them for use: serve with _sauce piquante un pen risquee_ distributed
impartially among a variety of non-essential _dramatis personae_,
invented for the purpose. Provide fine old crusted copybook moral
sentiments, to suit _bourgeois_ palate: throw in the safe situation
of some one concealed, behind door or window, listening to private
conversation. Add one well-tried effective dramatic situation to
bring down curtain on penultimate Act, and there's a stage-dish to
set before the appreciative B. P., if only it can be presented to them
effectively garnished by a clever and popular Manager at a first-class
theatre.

* * * * *

FLOWERS OF FASHION.

The Botanical Afternoon Fete of last Wednesday was a brilliant
gathering in brilliant weather. Privileged is "the Inner Circle" to
have in its midst these lovely gardens. "The Flowers that bloom in
the Spring, tra la!" were all out uncommonly early--long before the
earliest worm, which hasn't a chance against these very early risers.
"All a-growing!" on the part of the flowers, and "all a-blowing"
on the part of the Band of the Second Life Guards. Among the
distinguished company present we noticed the Crimson Queen, looking
immensely well, the blushing Duchess of ALBANY, the Duchesse de
VALLOMBROSA, Admiral COURBET, in a striking costume of "deep yellow
splashed with red" (where _had_ he been?), the Ladies DAPHNE PINK and
CALLAS WHITE, and Marechal NIEL. For "_Uriah Heep_," who "loves to be
'umble," a Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. PIKE. "The prize, that's my
point," observed the sharp PIKE. Funny Fish PIKE.

* * * * *

A PENNY WISE.--The new import of the latest Budget may be aptly called
"A Penny for your Thoughts," as no one pays a tax upon his income
as it really exists, but as (for Income-tax assessment purposes) he
believes it to be.

THE PICK OF THE R.A. PICTURES.

[Illustration: No. 37. The Knight of the Graceful Curve. See
remarkable figure in George E. Robertson's picture.]

[Illustration: No. 17. The Hare Apparent trying to study a part under
considerable difficulties, as shown in Nos. 18 and 19.

(_Vide Notes, p. 215._)]

[Illustration: No. 220. Queen of Golf Clubs. "'I'm going a golfing,
Sir, she said.' You see I've Gotch 'em in my hand." T. C. Gotch.]

[Illustration: No. 159. Mr. Henry Irving in his Dressing-room studying
a New Part. Sir F. Leight