; I will, therefore, only mention one race
having been so successful lately, that I can afford to rest on my
oars--(rather an insecure position by the way, for anyone who can't
swim!) and remain as usual

Yours devotedly, LADY GAY.

CHESTERFIELD CUP SELECTION.

To win such a race as the Chesterfield Cup,
Is a task wanting speed and endurance;
And the duty of all, ere the ghost giving up,
Is to quickly effect an _Insurance_."

_P.S._--I don't see any _sense_ in this, but the _rhyme_ is good!

L.G.

* * * * *

[Illustration: UNPLEASANT DUTIES OF CLUB LIFE.

MONSIEUR VICTOR ACHILLE PETROLY, THE NEW CHEF, IS SUDDENLY SUMMONED
BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE A REPRIMAND.

THE QUESTION IS, WHO'S TO ADMINISTER IT?]

* * * * *

WILLIAM THE WHEELMAN.

_Enthusiastic Cyclist loquitur_:--

I have noticed with unfeigned and real pleasure,
The rapid growth of Cycling. (_How it jumps!_)
To those who have the energy and leisure
It affords--(_Confound this saddle! it so bumps!_)
What otherwise would be quite unattainable,
A healthy, and a pleasurable form
Of exercise. (_Yes, health is hereby gainable;_
_But I am most uncomfortably warm!_)

It gives them the advantages of travel,
(_By Jingo! I was nearly over then!_
_A tumble and the "gravel-rash" would gravel_
_The nimblest of extremely Grand Old Men_)
Which, previous to the Cycle's happy advent,
Were out of almost everybody's reach.
(_And to the "spirits" of the cycling-cad vent._
_'Arry on Wheels the law must manners teach._)

It's really very much more profitable
Than is the long luxurious rail way journey.
(_If in the saddle I feel not more stable,_
_I'll be "unhorsed," like tilter in a tourney!_)
Monotonous the journey from the City,
Along a fixed unalterable route.
(_This is an old "bone-shaker." 'Tis a pity!_
_For over the front wheel one's apt to shoot._)

The traveller's whirled from station unto station,
(_I wish there were more stations on this road_,)
With hardly half a chance for observation.
(_If I know where I am, may I be blowed!_),
Without an opportunity to examine
The district. (_Wish that I could spot a pub!_
_For I am overdone with thirst and famine,_
_And see no chance of tipple or of grub!_)

(_I must travel many miles o'er clay or cobble,_
_I fear, before I'l