what had the soldier done, that "he" should
"go for him"? The answer to this conundrum will be ascertained on
reading the book. _Nutshell Novels_, by J. ASHBY STERRY, is also a
volume that repays perusal. The Lazy Poet has turned his leisure to
good account--the stories he tells are excellent.

Had the delightfully original _Alice in Wonderland_, and _Through the
Looking-Glass_, never been written, I doubt much if we should ever
have seen _Maggie in Mythica_, by F.B. DOVETON, who announces it
apologetically, as "his first"--perhaps it maybe his "unique" fairy
story,--and he adds, that he has "kept out of the beaten track as far
as possible." "_As far as possible_" is good, for never was there
such an example of the "sincerest flattery" than in this undeniable
imitation of _Alice in Wonderland_. Some of the illustrations, by J.
HARRINGTON WILSON, are not quite as weak as the text, while the best
of them only serve to heighten our appreciation of "Our" Mr. TENNIEL's
pictures in _Alice_, and its companion volume. But the very title,
_Maggie in Mythica_, recalls at once _Alice in Wonderland_, but the
lovers of _Alice_, who being attracted by this title may purchase
this book under the impression that "it is the same concern," will
soon find out their mistake, though it may perhaps amuse a very much
younger generation who know not _Alice_, if such a generation exist,
which muchly we beg to doubt. BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co.

* * * * *

[Illustration: A MORNING CALL.

_The Vicar_. "AND WHAT'S _YOUR_ NAME, MY DEAR?"

_Child of the Period_. "WELL--_YOU_ OUGHT TO KNOW! YOU _KWISTENED_
ME!"]

* * * * *

THE REAL GRIEVANCE OFFICE.

(_BEFORE MR. COMMISSIONER PUNCH._)

_AN OFFICER OF VOLUNTEERS INTRODUCED._

_The Commissioner_. Well, what can I do for you, Captain?

_Officer of Volunteers_. Hush, Sir! If you were heard to give me my
military rank, you would be the cause of covering me with ridicule!

_The Com._ Ridicule! Are you _not_ a Captain?

_Off._ Certainly, Sir. I hold Her Majesty's Commission, and am
supposed to be one of the defenders of the country.

_The Com._ Then why should you not be credited with the rank to which
you are entitled?

_Off._ Because, Sir, I am only a Captain of Volunteers.

_The Com._ But surely the British Army is composed entirely of
Volunteers?

_Off._ That is the national boast, Sir. But then, you see, I receive
no p