observe nothing
degrading in the superiority of Old Holland." And considering the
prowess of VAN TROMP in the past, there was perhaps nothing so strange
in the triumph of OOMS in the present.

* * * * *

"TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY, THAT IS THE BISLEYNESS."

MY DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I see that the receipts of the National Rifle
Association have fallen off, and that there is a proposal to make the
Bisley Meeting this year rather more attractive than its predecessors.
The Camp is to be open, and there are to be Concerts and other
distractions. But is this enough? Once confess that Rifle-shooting
is not the sole business of the gathering, and the way is cleared for
more amusing items. All that is wanted to convert a semi-failure into
a triumphant success, is a Manager who could combine entertainment
with instruction, thus:--

6 A.M.--Gun-fire. The Camp awakes, and, to the music of the band, gets
up. Reserved seats in band-enclosure, sixpence extra.

7 A.M.--Balloon Ascent. Firing at the sun with revolvers by trained
aeronauts. Seats in parachutes, five shillings a-piece.

8 A.M.--Early performance of BUFFALO BILL before his departure for
Earl's Court. Prices as usual.

9 A.M.--Sham Fight, augmented by Menagerie from Travelling Circus.
Cards to visit the stables, half-a-crown.

10 A.M.--Representation of Siege Scene from Venice in London, under
the title of "The Bridge of Sighs within measuring distance of Woking
Cemetery." Season tickets, half-a-guinea.

11 A.M.--Performance of the Battle of Waterloo by veterans, late of
Astley's Theatre. Families and schools half-price.

12 NOON.--Visit of Royalty, and Presentation of Purses. No Purse
accepted containing less than two pounds ten.

1 P.M.--Grand Luncheon, with speeches by the leading Military
Authorities, followed by a Smoking Concert. One-and-sixpence.

2 P.M.--Variety Show, including several of the best Lion Comiques,
and the astounding performances of the Bounding Brothers of Bohemia.
Stalls, ten shillings. Soldiers in uniform admitted at a considerable
reduction.

3 P.M.--Cricket Match between the famous Clown Eleven _versus_ the
Ladies' Sixteen. Grand Stand, three-and-six.

4 P.M.--Comic Carnival, entitled, "Rollicksome Riflemen, or the
Vicissitudes of the Volunteers." Reserved Seats, ninepence.

There, my dear Sir, I think I have written enough. If there was any
time to spare, the shooting programme might still be carried out; b