[1] Having, not long since, purchased a bottle of Persian Otto, warranted
    genuine, (as is all) I laid it carefully by, wrapped thickly round
    with cotton wool; the Atar which was certainly excellent, was in a
    curious bottle of rough misshapen workmanship, but ornamented with
    sundry circles, and lozenges, of various coloured glass.  I was
    inclined to regard this bottle as a more genuine specimen of oriental
    art, than one of those, which, enamelled, with gold, stands forth in
    its way an elegant of the first water, and I hoped to have kept it
    long.  On visiting my Otto shortly afterwards, I found that not only
    had it all evaporated, but destroyed its receptacle.  Its strength (I
    conclude) had dissolved the cement of the aforesaid coloured bits of
    glass, and left me only an empty and plain bottle, the ugliest of the
    ugly.  I mention this circumstance as a caution to amateurs in Atar
    Gul.

* * * * *

SHOOTING AT THE POPINJAY.

(For the Mirror.)

The Popinjay or Popingo (signifying painted bird) is a very favourite and popular diversion in Denmark, and of which it may be interesting to give some account.  A society is constituted of various members, called the “King’s Shooting Club,” who have a code of laws and regulations drawn up for their observance; and are under the direction of nine managers.  The entrance-money is 60 dollars.  Members are admitted by ballot, and on election receive a diploma on parchment, with the seal of the society.

The meetings are held in a large building in the environs, and members are decorated with an order or badge of distinction, which is the figure of a gilded bird with outstretched wings, perching on a branch of laurel.  This is worn on the left breast, and attached to a button-hole of the waistcoat by a green silk riband.  On the breast are marked the letters “D.C.” meaning “Danish Company.”  On one side of the branch is the date 1542, and on the other 1739.[2] In the month of August, when the amusement commences, the members meet in their hall, and proceed in formal procession to an adjoining field on the western side of the city; where arrangements are previously made for the numerous spectators.  The bird to be shot at is about the size of a parrot, gilded, and placed on the top of a high pole.  On their way to the field they are attended by a band of music, which precedes the members as they march with their pieces over their shoulders.