the case, it is better as it is.

Yours most truly,
ONE WHO NEVER PAID TWOPENCE FOR MANNERS.

* * * * *

THE LITIGANT'S VADE MECUM.

_Question._ Can you tell me the best possible regulations in the
universe?

_Answer._ Certainly English Common Law.

_Q._ Is English Common Law accessible to everyone?

_A._ Certainly, and if a litigant please, he or she (for sex makes no
difference) can become his or her own advocate.

_Q._ When a litigant prefers to conduct a case in person, does the
proceeding invariably save expense?

_A._ Not invariably, because a litigant may have odd views about the
importance of evidence and the time of professional advisers.

_Q._ When a litigant is afflicted with this lack of knowledge what is
the customary result?

_A._ That the defendants have to undergo the expense of a
several-days' trial with counsel to match.

_Q._ Supposing that a journalist, sharply but justly, criticises the
actions of a man of straw--what can the man of straw do?

_A._ With the aid of some speculative Solicitor, he can commence an
action for libel.

_Q._ What benefit does the speculative Solicitor obtain?

_A._ The speculative Solicitor, if he can persuade a judge and jury
to agree, will get his costs, and if the journalist wins he will find
that the prosecutor or plaintiff is, indeed, a man of straw.

_Q._ Is there any redress?

_A._ None; but a wise journalist will never criticise sharply.

* * * * *

THE PICK OF THE R.A. PICTURES. No. 2.

No. 139. _Ca donne a penser._ Not a more suggestive pose does any
portrait possess throughout the Galleries. It is described _tout
court_ as "ALBERT BRASSEY, Esq.," and 'tis the work (and the pleasure)
of W. W. OULESS, R.A. "'Tis a fine work!" says BOB to 'ARRY. "O'
course," returns 'ARRY JOKER. "Great! _'Ow less_ could be expected of
'im tho', I dun no." It represents an undecided moment in Mr. ALBERT
BRASSEY'S life. It is as if he were Mr. "_All but_" BRASSEY,
and wasn't quite certain of what he should do next. There is the
writing-desk,--shall he indite a letter? If he does so, shall he
take off his thick-fur coat? Or shall he go hunting, since he has on,
underneath the furrin' fur, the pink of hunting perfection? Likewise
he has his whip and his horn, also his boots! He's "got 'em on!" He's
"got 'em _all_ on!" Or shall he hail the 5,000-ton yacht that's lying
in the roads just a few yar