The late Marquess of Buckingham built an inn at Missenden, about forty miles from London, as the state of the roads compelled him to sleep there on the way to Stow—­a journey which is at present performed between breakfast and dinner.

* * * * *

THE GATHERER.

A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.

SHAKSPEARE.

* * * * *

Sir Joseph Banks used to tell a story of his being at Otaheite with Capt.  Cook, when it was accidentally discovered to be the king’s birth-day, on which it was suddenly agreed to have a jollification; every soul on board got fuddled, except three men who were on duty.  The next day they came on deck, and begged to speak to the captain.  “Well,” said the captain, “what have you got to say?”—­“Please your honour, you were all drunk yesterday, all except we three; will your honour be pleased to allow us to get drunk to-day?” Sir Joseph, who was standing by, was so tickled with the oddity of the request, that he begged they might be indulged, and that he would subscribe two bottles of rum and two bottles of brandy.  The boon was granted, and in less than three hours, these messmates balanced accounts, being as drunk as their hearts could wish.—­Mr Wadd.

* * * * *

MADEMOISELLE MARS.

Some time after Napoleon’s return to Paris, in 1815, as he was passing the troops in review at the Place Carousel, he happened to see the celebrated Mademoiselle Mars, stationed among the troops, in order to view the imposing military spectacle.  The emperor, approaching the spot, and addressing her, said, “What do you do here, Mademoiselle? this is no place for you.”—­“Sire,” answered the witty and animated daughter of Thalia, “I come to behold a real hero; I am tired of seeing mock ones upon the stage.”

INA.

* * * * *

Some years ago the following inscription, engraved on the fragment of a stone, was discovered amongst the relics of an antiquarian, and was considered by him as a great curiosity, and enhanced in value by its translation having puzzled the best scholars of the age:—­

BENE. 
A.T.H.  T.H.  I.S.S.T. 
ONERE.  POS.  ET
H. CLAUD.  COSTER.  TRIP
E. SELLERO
F. IMP
IN.  GT.  ONAS.  DO
TH.  HI
S. C.
ON.  SOR. 
T. I. A. N. E.

Some supposed it to refer to the Emperor Claudian, till a lad one day spelt it out:  “Beneath this stone reposeth Claud Coster, tripe-seller, of Impington, as doth his consort Jane.”  R. B.

* * * * *

DRINKING.