it's another proof to my mind that the ancients hadn't got
very far in the statuary line. Now, if you _want_ to see a stone lion
done true to Nature, you've only to walk any day along the Euston
Road.

_A Practical Man_. I dessay it's a fine collection enough, but it's
a pity the things ain't more perfect. _I_ should ha' thought, with so
many odds and ends and rubbish lying about as is no use to nobody at
present, they might ha' used it up in mending some that only requires
a arm 'ere, or a leg there, or a 'ed and what not, to make 'em as good
as ever. But ketch _them_ (_he means the Officials_) taking any extra
trouble if they can help it!

_His Companion_. Ah, but yer see it ain't so easy fitting on bits that
belonged to something different. You've got to look at it _that_ way!

_The P.M._ _I_ don't see no difficulty about it. Why, any stonemason
could cut down the odd pieces to fit well enough, and they wouldn't
have such a neglected appearance as they do now.

_A Group has collected round a Gigantic Arm in red granite._

_First Sightseer_. There's a _arm_ for yer!

_Second S._ (_a humorist_). Yes; 'ow would yer like to 'ave _that_
come a punching your 'ed?

_Third S._ (_thoughtfully_). I expect they've put it up 'ere as a
sample, like.

_The Moralising Matron_. How it makes one realise that there were
giants in those days!

_Her Friend_. But surely the size must be a _little_ exaggerated,
don't you think? Oh, is _this_ the God Ptah?

[_The M.M. says nothing, but clicks her tongue to express a
grieved pity, after which she passes on._

_The_ Intelligent Artisan _and his_ Fiancee _have entered the Nineveh
Gallery, and are regarding an immense human-headed winged bull._

_The I.A._ (_indulgently_). Rum-looking sort o' beast that ere.

_Fiancee_. Ye-es--I wonder if it's a likeness of some animal they used
to 'ave then?

_The I.A._ I _did_ think you was wider than _that_!--it's on'y
imaginative. What 'ud be the good o' wings to a bull?

_Fiancee_ (_on her defence_). You think you know so much--but it's got
a man's 'ed, hain't it? and I know there used to be _'orses_ with 'alf
a man where the 'ed ought to be, because I've seen their pictures--so
there!

_The I.A._ I dunno what you've got where _your_ 'ed ought to be,
torking such rot!

IN THE UPPER GALLERIES; ETHNOGRAPHICAL COLLECTION.

_A Grim Governess_ (_directing a scared small boy's attention to a
particularly hideous mask_). See, HEN