stinginess,
Discarding printer's ink,
Busts the man of business,
And sees his credit sink.

* * * * *

"Jump on the scale," the butcher said
Unto a miss one day,
"I'm used to weighing, and," said he,
"I'll tell you what you weigh."
"Ah, yes," came quick the sweet reply
From lips seemed made to kiss,
"I'm sure, sir, that it would not be
First time you've weighed amiss."
The butcher blushed; he hung his head
And knew not what to say;
He merely wished to weigh the girl--
Himself was given away.

* * * * *

"What did that lady say?" asked Mr. Buyem of his confidential clerk.
"I'd rather not repeat her words, sir," replied the clerk. "But I must
know, Mr. Blume--must know, sir." "Oh! if you insist upon it, sir, I
suppose I must tell you. She said you were all business, but you lacked
culture." "So?" exclaimed Mr. Buyem, in astonishment. "Lack culture, eh?
Look here, Mr. Blume, d'ye know you' oughter told me that long ago?
Let's have some right away before Scribe & Blowhard can get ahead of
us."

OUT OF THE DEPTHS.

Our Correspondent's Researches and a Remarkable Occurrence He Describes.

ST. ALBANS, Vt., Jan. 10, 1884.

MESSRS. EDITORS: The upper portion of Vermont is one of the pleasantest
regions in America during the summer, and one of the bleakest during the
winter. It affords ample opportunity for the tourist, providing he
chooses the proper season, but the present time is not that season.
Still there are men and women here who not only endure the climate, but
praise it unstintingly, and that, too, in the face of physical hardships
the most intense. The writer heard of a striking illustration of this a
few days since which is given herewith:

Mr. Joseph Jacques is connected with the Vermont Central Railroad in the
capacity of master mason. He is well advanced in years, with a ruddy
complexion and hale appearance, while his general bearing is such as to
instantly impress one with his strict honor and integrity. Several years
ago he became afflicted with most distressing troubles, which prevented
the prosecution of his duties. He was languid, and yet restless, while
at times a dizziness would come over him which seemed almost blinding.
His will power was strong, and he determined not to give way to the
mysterious influence which seemed undermining his life. But