Mais pour continuer encore.  Si l’homme qui est dedans ne frappe pas la balle, et la balle au contraire frappe les “wickets,” on tourne a un personage qui s’apelle le “Umpire” et lui dit, “Comment ca, Monsieur l’Umpire?” et il dit, “Dehors!” ou, “Pas dehors!”—­et quand tous les onze sont “dehors” le innings est fini, et l’autre cote commence.  Et voila le cricket.  N’est-ce pas qu’il est, comme j’ai dis, un stunning jeu?  Eh bien, je crois que, pour une premiere lettre, j’ai fait le chose en style.  Ecrivez vous maintenant en reponse, et donnez moi une description d’un de votre jeux, pour me montrer que vous Francais ne sont pas, comme nous pensons en Angleterre, tous des “duffers.”  Le votre sincerement, TOMMY.

FROM JULES, LYCEE HENRI IV., TO TOMMY, ETON.

My excellent comrade,—­I have just been in receipt of your epistle, profound, interesting, but antagonistic concerning your JOHN BULL’s prizefighting, high life, sportsman’s game, your Jeu de Cricquette, about which I will reply to you in my next.  Accept the assurance of my most distinguished consideration, JULES.

* * * * *

A DANGEROUS CORNER.—­A ring in Chemicals is proposed, which, if formed, will cost the public about ten millions sterling.  Whether the said public will see any return for its money is problematical.  However, it may be hinted that the end of Chemicals is frequently smoke, and sometimes an explosion which blows up the company!

* * * * *

[Illustration:  MIGHT BE BETTER!

JOHN BULL.  “HUMPH!  SEEMS TO ME, MR. SALISBURY, YOUR FOREIGN BIRDS ARE
THE FINEST THIS SEASON!”]

* * * * *

TO CANADA.

“We beseech your MAJESTY to accept our assurances of the contentment of your MAJESTY’s Canadian subjects with the political connection between Canada and the rest of the British Empire, and of their fixed resolve to aid in maintaining the same.”—­Loyal Address to the Queen from Canada.

  Accept them? Punch believes you, boys,
    And store them ’midst our choicest treasures! 
  In these fierce days of factious noise
    The Sage experiences few pleasures
  So genuine as this outburst frank
    Of “true Canadian opinion.” 
  He hastens heartily to thank
    The loyal hearts of the Dominion!

  Mother and daughter should be tied
    By trustful faith and free affection. 
  If ours be mutual love and pride,
    Who’s going to “sever the connection”? 
  Let plotters scheme, and pedants prate,
    They will not pick our true love’s true lock
  Whilst truth and justice arm the State
    With friends like AMYOT and MULOCH!

  Mother and daughter!  Love-linked like
    Persephone and fond Demeter. 
  Fleet to advance, and strong to strike,
    And yearly growing stronger, fleeter,
  Miss CANADA need not depend
    On Dame BRITANNIA altogether,
  But she may trust her as a friend,
    Faithful in fair or threatening weather.