ready learning to
whistle the familiar Northcliffe air, "LLOYD GEORGE Must Go," quite
distinctly.

* * *

The National Portrait Gallery, occupied by the War Office since 1914, has
just been reopened. The rumour that a Brigadier-General who had eluded all
attempts to evacuate him was still hanging about disguised as a portrait of
Mrs. SIDDONS attracted a large attendance.

* * *

The Corporation of Waterford has refused to recognise "Summer" time. One
gathers that it is still the winter of their discontent down there.

* * *

Sinn Feiners are now asking for the abolition of the Royal Irish
Constabulary, and it is feared that, unless their request is granted, they
may resort to violence.

* * * * *

[Illustration: "THOUGH THE MATERIAL, SIR, IS SOMEWHAT MORE EXPENSIVE, THE
LEATHER BRACE HAS THE GREAT ADVANTAGE THAT IT LASTS FOR EVER; AND,
MOREOVER, WHEN IT WEARS OUT IT MAKES AN EXCELLENT RAZOR-STROP."]

* * * * *

"Mrs. ---- Requires useful Ladies' Maid, for Bath and country; only
ex-soldier or sailor need apply."--_Provincial Paper._

A job that will obviously need a man of proved courage.

* * * * *

WISDOM UP TO DATE--12TH EDITION.

[_The Times_ has announced, in two consecutive issues, that Mr. HUGH
CHISHOLM has retired from the control of its financial columns in
order to resume his editorship of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. One
seems here to catch a faint echo of the proprietary booming of the
10th Edition by _The Times_ and Mr. HOOPER. The present publishers are
the Cambridge University Press.]

It is a common object of remark
How many things in life are periodic,
Some punctual (like the nesting of the lark,
Or Derby-day), and others more spasmodic,
Recurring loosely when the hour is ripe;
And here I sing a sample of the latter type.

Nine years have coursed with their accustomed speed
Since England hailed its previous apparition,
Since every man and woman who could read,
Wanting the nearest way to erudition,
Bought as an ornament of her (or his) home
The monumental masterpiece of Mr. CHISHOLM.

Much has occurred meanwhile of new and strange;
_E.g._, in matters purely scientific
Great Thinkers, eager to enlarge our range,
Have (on the lethal side) been most prolific;
Ten tomes would scarce