ign will be frustrated, as, on the evening, I
went to witness this "new departure" in training, I found most of the
London racing-touts present, with the inevitable field-glasses!

Next week sees us once more at our beloved Newmarket First
October--(this is a Jockey-Club joke, as the meeting _always_ takes
place in _September_! But what does a little paradox of this kind
matter to such an _August_ body!)--and I shall append my selection
for the most important race of Wednesday, but I also wish to give a
hint to the "Worldly Wise" not to miss the October Handicap, or the
match, for which _Buccaneer_ will be favourite at the "fall of the
flag!"--(The flag may _fall_, but such a _Buccaneer_ as this is will
never "strike his flag" I feel sure!) Being absolutely overloaded
with prophecy, I must also have a word to say on the Rutland
Plate, which aristocratically-named race could only be won by the
aristocratically-named _Buckingham_!--Yours devotedly, LADY GAY.

GREAT-EASTERN RAILWAY HANDICAP SELECTION:--

Though good his chance to win the prize,
"Lord HENRY" soon detected,
That greatest danger would arise,
From Colonel NORTH's "_Selected._"

* * * * *

[Illustration: "THE PERI AT THE ACADEMY GATES."

"On July 4th, Lieutenant PEARY, in his great sledge journey, commenced
on May 15th last, in Greenland, came on a glacier which he named The
Academy Glacier."--_Times_.]

* * * * *

SWORD AND PEN.

A FABLE.

(_TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSO-FRENCH._)

Pen was a busy personage. He was flying from place to place, and
had much importance. He was pompous and mysterious, and puzzled many
people. Pen was accompanied by a sheet of paper that he called Treaty.
Pen took Treaty everywhere. To Russia, to France, to Rome, and to
Turkey. No one knew exactly what Treaty was like. Pen said he was
satisfied with Treaty, and as Pen and Treaty were such constant
companions, Pen's word on the subject was accepted as authentic.

But one fine day there was a breeze, and Treaty was blown away by the
wind.

"Can I not assist?" asked Pen. "Things seem to have gone wrong."

"No, thanks," replied Sword, grimly; "when it comes to close quarters,
we find ink not quite so useful as gunpowder!"

* * * * *

SUGGESTION FOR AN OUTSIDE ADVERTISEMENT TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE DOOR OF
THE STRAND THEATER.--"_Niobe_ all tiers" (full).

*