ading o'er with heart aglow
A certain old and dusty file--

One out of hundreds, kept to prove
A truth the world may oft forget,
That there can live pure trust and love
'Twixt persons who have never met.

Oh, sweet the trill of mating larks!
But sweeter, sweeter, I aver,
That soft appeal--"For your remarks,"
That gentle answer--"We concur."

* * * * *

CHARIVARIA.

A Fellow of the Royal Society states that, as a result of radium
activity, the end of the world, which had been estimated to arrive in a
few thousand years, may be postponed for a million aeons. It is hoped
that this will allay the anxiety of those soldiers who were nervous
about their chances of being demobilized.

***

It is reported that when asked his impression of President WILSON Mr.
BALFOUR remarked, "Gee! He's the top shout and the main squeeze. And
then some."

***

"How much water," asks a technical journal, "does it take to make a
gallon of Government ale?" We do not profess to be expert, but we should
say about a gallon.

***

There is no truth in the rumour that TROTSKY has written to President
WILSON offering to execute the Peace Conference at any time within the
next three months at half the usual rates.

***

A case which has been puzzling the medical authorities is reported from
Warwickshire. After acting strangely for several days a boy named TOMMY
SMITH asked his parents if he could have rice pudding instead.

***

"Great Britain," says an essayist, "has come out of the war with flying
colours." No blame, we understand, attaches to Mr. PHILIP SNOWDEN for
this.

***

A large marrow has been washed ashore at Lowestoft bearing a name and
address and the words, "Please write." It is not known why the marrow
left home.

***

A report comes from Berlin that Dr. SOLF has resigned. It is expected
that he will be succeeded by Dr. SOLF.

***

The greengrocer who deliberately attempted to spoil President WILSON'S
welcome by exhibiting American apples for sale on Boxing Day is
suspected of being a naturalised German.

***

A North of England widower would like to meet lady possessing in her own
right a bottle of whisky. Object, matrimony.

***

The largely increased number of unemployed politicians is causing the
country great concern.

***

Heavy falls of snow have occurred