Spring, which are the real attractions of Ramsgate, and make it one of the finest health-resorts in Winter for all “who love life, and would see good days.”  “It reminds me,” says the Baron, puffing off his smoke indignantly, “of Mr. IRVING and a certain youthful critic, who, in his presence at supper, had been running down Macbeth, finding fault with the Lyceum production of it, and ridiculing SHAKSPEARE for having written it.  When he had quite finished HENRY IRVING, ‘laying low’ in his chair at the table, adjusted his pince-nez, and, looking straight at the clever young gentleman, asked, in the mildest possible tone, ’My dear Sir, have you ever read Macbeth?’ So,” resumes the Baron, “I am inclined to ask Mr. BLACK’S young man, ‘Do you know Ramsgate?’ And of course I mean the Ramsgate of 1890.”

From the specimens of London City that have been sent for inspection by Messrs. FIELD & TUER, of the Leadenhall Press, who are bringing it out, the Baron augurs a grand result, artistically and financially.  It is to be published at forty-two shillings, but subscribers will get it for a guinea, so intending possessors had evidently better become subscribers.  The history of the Great City is to be told by Mr. W.J.  LOFTIE, so that it starts with an elevated tone and the loftiest principles, and the illustrations will be by Mr. WM. LUKER, a talented draughtsman who, as a Luker-on has seen most of the games in the City.  In consequence of some piratical publisher having attempted to bring out a work under the same title, intended to deceive even the elect, Messrs. FIELD & TUER have secured the copyright of the title London City, by the ingenious device of publishing, for one farthing each, five hundred copies of a miniature pamphlet bearing this title, and containing the explanation.  The value of these eccentric farthing pamphlets may one day be thousands of pounds. Mem.—­Twopence would be well invested in purchasing four of them.

Salads and Sandwiches is an attractive title, specially at this season.  The arrangement of the book is, like the salad, a little mixed.  When, however, the knowing Baron finds that abomination known as salad dressing, or “salad mixing,” which is sold at the grocer’s, recommended by a writer who professes to teach salad-making, then he closes the book, and reads no more that day.  This author, who is in his salad days, might bring out a book entitled How to Suck Eggs; or, Letters to my Grandmother.  It is a suggestion worth considering, says

THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

[Illustration]

TO PYRRHA ON THE THAMES.

  O Pyrrha! say what youth in “blazer” drest,
  Woos you on pleasant Thames these summer eves;
  For whom do you put on that dainty vest,
  That sky-blue ribbon and those gigot sleeves.