The commencement of the poem, however, as here quoted, is evidently an inspiration for which the Poet was not responsible.  It is a charming little volume of charming verse.  It is good poetic wine, which needs not the bush provided by Mr. WILLIAM WATSON in the shape of a thickset introduction.  What, asks W.W., is the attitude of ALFRED AUSTIN towards Nature?  This recalls a well-known scene in Nicholas Nickleby—­“She’s a rum ’un, is Natur’,” said Mr. Squeers.  “She is a holy thing, Sir,” remarked Mr. Snawley.  “Natur’,” said Mr. Squeers, solemnly, “is more easier conceived than described.  Oh, what a blessed thing, Sir, to be in a state of natur’!” And these observations of Messrs. Snawley and Squeers pretty accurately sum up all that the ingenious WILLIAM WATSON has to say about Natur’ and ALFRED AUSTIN.  The moral of which lies in the application of it, which is,—­skip the preface, and make plunge into the poetry.

A good deal has been written in olden time and of late about the Oberammergau Passion Play.  Nothing has been better done than the work by Mr. EDWARD R. RUSSELL, formerly M.P. for Glasgae, who visited Oberammergau this year.  His account is instinct with keen criticism, fine feeling, and reasoning reverence.  Moreover, whilst other works are padded out into bulky volumes, he says all that need be said in fifteen pages of a pleasantly-printed booklet—­price sixpence.  It is a reprint from letters which the errant Editor contributed to his journal, the Liverpool Daily Post, at the sign of which copies may be had.  THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co.

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Art’s Friends and Foe!

  TATE, WALLACE, AGNEW!  Here be three good names,
  Friends of true Art, and furtherers of her aims;
  Munificence but waits to take sound shape;
  Say, shall it be frustrated by—­Red Tape?

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[Illustration:  BUZZY TIME FOR THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

{Persons interested should secure the Government paper containing all the information in regard to the Hessian Fly, and other injurious insects and fungi.}]

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[Illustration:  “THE CHURCH-GOING BELL.”

SUNDAY MORNING, COAST OF NORWAY.

(By Our Yotting Artist.)]

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JOHNNY, MAKE ROOM FOR DELONCLE!

(NEW NORTH AFRICAN VERSION OF AN OLD SONG.)

“M.  DELONCLE, in his conversation with a Belgian reporter, puts in a claim for practically the whole of the northern half of Africa, with the possible exception of Egypt.”—­The Times.

    AIR—­“Tommy, make room for your Uncle.”

    Deputy DELONCLE (addressing JOHNNY BULL) sings:—­

  Nothing but deserts now left for France! 
    Hang it!  That will not do! 
  Therefore DELONCLE her claims must advance,
    Mighty they are, nor few. 
  Right from Oubanghi unto Lake Tchad,
    Through Wadai and Ba-gir-mi! 
  JOHNNY, my lad, I shall be glad
    If you’ll make room for ME!