German Bands.

_First C._ Are these the only attractions?

_Second C._ No, there is some cleverly painted canvas representing
German scenery in the grounds.

_First C._ Anything else?

_/Second C._ I enjoyed the Switchback Railway.

_First C._ I see--anything else?

_Second C._ Well, the Scenes in the Circle added to my enjoyment, but,
as an enthusiastic admirer of all that is German, I do not consider
them entirely necessary.

_First C._ Anything further?

_Second C._ There are the lights and the company.

_First C._ But of course these are superfluous?

_Second C._ From a German point of view--entirely so. I consider them
merely as fringe.

_First C._ Exactly--and, were they not there, you would extend as much
patronage to the German Exhibition--you would go there as frequently?

_Second C._ Yes--in spirit, if not in person.

_First C._ And if for the German some other foreign element were
substituted?

_Second C._ No doubt I should be present quite as much in person, but
_not_ in German spirit!

* * * * *

THE PICK OF THE PICTURES. (AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY.)

[Illustration: No. 475. A Day's Sport in the Olden Times. Ancient
Mariner regrets that guns are not yet invented, wishes he'd brought a
Bow and Arrow with him. J. Waterhouse, A.]

[Illustration: No. 138. Tootsy Pootsies. "O dear, what is the matter
with my poor feet!!" Edith Sprague.]

No. 129. "_Love in Winter_." By G.H. BOUGHTON, A. But a poor sort of
amusement for this nice young lady to be walking out all alone with a
big muff! eh? Mr. BOUGHTON, eh?

No. 292, _Bar-Maids Resting_. W.R. STEPHENS.

No. 346. "_Moor and Mountain_." By CHARLES STUART. The name CHARLES
STUART suggests "restoration," but this is a brand new work. It is
mostly mountain, and very little more.

No. 397. "Miss LYDIA LESLIE at her lessons" may be termed a group of
One or Little Daughter and Less Sons. G.D. LESLIE, R.A.

No. 410. Two horses in a field during a Snowstorm. Good subject for a
Tavern sign-board, entitled, "Two Out." EDWARD STOTT.

No. 452. "Mrs. X----," i.e., a lady with a good deal of dash. HUGH DE
T. GLAZEBROOK.

[Illustration: No. 518. A Practical Joke. "I shall startle 'em if I go
in suddenly dressed like this." J.C. Horsley, R.A.]

[Illustration: No. 167. Pott Luck; or, the Arch Archdeacon. W.B.
Richmond, A.]

No. 467. "_Angela Vanbrugh" playing the Fiddle; or, All alone with her
Beau_. EDWIN LONG, R.A.