h her discussed future dispositions. The Army and the
Bar were negatived at once; it was suggested (not by us) that we have
already in our small family an example sufficiently fortunate of both.
He will be a sailor or a financier. There is something about sailors; it
is always a pleasure and a pride to take one of them out to dinner in a
public place, especially if he's your own. On the other hand the
financier alternative is suggested with a view to the possibility (as
things tend) that it may be he who has to take us out to dinner.

Yours ever, HENRY.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Mistress._ "WELL, JANE, WHAT SORT OF NEWS HAVE YOU FROM
YOUR YOUNG MAN AT THE FRONT?"

_Jane._ "FATAL, MUM."

_Mistress._ "DEAR, DEAR! I'M VERY SORRY----"

_Jane._ "YES, MUM. 'E'S BROKE IT OFF, MUM."]

* * * * *

"The fall of rain during February in Exeter amounted to 5.39
inches. During the same month 80 hours 58 mins. of sunshine were
recorded, being an average of 2 hours 42 mins. per day. The
chief tradesmen of the district are responsible for this
gratifying result."

_Express and Echo (Exeter)._

They seem to be easily satisfied down in the West. If London tradesmen
take to purveying the weather we shall want a little less rain and a
good deal more sunshine.

* * * * *

IN PRAISE OF PUSSY.

[Professor ROBERT WALLACE, of Edinburgh University, has been
defending the cat as a useful member of society and a defence
against the ravages of plague, and encourages the breeding,
collecting and distributing of types of cats known to be
"superior ratters."]

In these days of stress and passion
Feline charms are out of fashion,
And the cult of Pasht is coldly looked upon;
But cat-lovers may take solace
From the words of ROBERT WALLACE,
Who's a scientific Edinboro' don.

Cats as lissome merry minxes,
Or impenetrable Sphinxes--
Leonine, aloof, impassive, topaz-eyed--
Leave our staid professor chilly,
For he clearly thinks it silly
To regard them from the decorative side.

It is _not_ their grace, now serious,
Now malicious, now mysterious,
That appeals to his utilitarian mind;
But, when viewed as extirpators
Of disease-disseminators,
Then he looks with admiration on their kind.

For if cats should ever shun us
Rats with plague would o