of his own, consisting of a charming theme, with mighty ingenious and beautiful variations, all his own, divil a less.  Great success for Paddy REWSKI.  The Irish Pole, or Pole-ished Irishman, has thoroughly mastered his art, but if he has learnt how to master tune he has not yet perfected himself in keeping strict time, as he took his seat at the piano just one quarter of an hour late.  Paddy REWSKI, me bhoy, when next you give us a recital, remember that punctuality is the soul of business. Au revoir, Paddy REWSKI!

Yours entirely, Jim KRO MESKI.

* * * * *

Advice Gratis.—­Go and see London Assurance, with “Charles our friend” in it, at the Criterion.  It has, probably, never yet been put on the stage as it is hic et nunc.  Well worth seeing as a curio.  But what tin-pot nonsense is the Tally-ho speech of Lady Grace Harkaway.  And yet it has always “gone,” and London Assurance itself, like the sly Reynard of the speech, has invariably shown good sport, and given a good run for the money.

* * * * *

Mad waggery.—­The Chequers is not the name of a wayside inn, but of one of those modern inventions calculated to help to fill Colney Hatch.  A Puzzle it is, and it can be done—­at least so say FELTHAM & CO.  Anyhow, they don’t sell the solution, they only provide the mystery.

* * * * *

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS NUMBER (which is sure not to be forgotten).—­Number One.

* * * * *

A CAUTION TO SNAKES.

[Illustration:  Liberty, in a forest, flees a rattlesnake wearing an Indian headdress.]

“There is, however, another opinion prevalent among the less educated which gives to the Rattle-snake the vindictive spirit of the North American Indian, and asserts that it adds a new joint to its rattle whenever it has slain a human being, thus bearing in its tail the fearful trophies of its prowess, just as the Indians wear the scalps of slain foes.”—­Wood’s Natural History.

* * * * *

  “INGINS is Snakes!” And from its lair
  This snake seems stirring.  Who cries “Scare!”? 
    Well, they who hear the rattle
  Close at their heels, its spring will dread,
  And wary watch and cautious tread,
    And arm as though for battle.

  Even to drive the keen-fanged snake
  From its old home in swamp or brake
    Irks sensitive humanity;
  But they who know the untamed thing,
  Have felt its fang, have seen its spring,
    Hold mercy mere insanity.

  Untamed, untameable, it hides,
  Anguis in herba, coils and glides,
    And strikes when least expected,
  And who shall blame its watchful foe
  Who stands prepared to strike a blow,
    When the swift death’s detected?