SIR,—­The only book worth thinking about for such an expedition as you mention would be STANLEY’s In Darkest Africa.  Its Maps would be invaluable,—­as presents for a rival explorer, whom one might desire to mislead as to his route.  CARL P-T-RS.

* * * * *

MR. HERKOMER AND MR. PENNELL.

PROFESSOR HERKOMER defends the use of Photography for the engraver’s purposes, and clearly thinks that what TENNYSON ought to have written, in Locksley Hall, was—­

“And the thoughts of men are widened by a Process of the Sun’s.”

He also comforts himself with the reflection that being called over the coals in the National Observer, is one of the PENNELL-ties of success.

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH’S POCKET IBSEN.

(CONDENSED AND REVISED VERSION BY MR. P.’S OWN HARMLESS IBSENITE.)

NO.  III.—­HEDDA GABLER.

ACT II.

    SCENE—­The cheerful dark Drawing-room.  It is afternoon. 
    HEDDA stands loading a revolver in the back Drawing-room.

Hedda (looking out, and shouting).  How do you do, Judge? (Aims at him.) Mind yourself! [She fires.

Brack (entering).  What the devil!  Do you usually take pot-shots at casual visitors? [Annoyed.

Hedda.  Invariably, when they come by the back-garden.  It is my unconventional way of intimating that I am at home.  One does do these things in realistic dramas, you know.  And I was only aiming at the blue sky.

Brack.  Which accounts for the condition of my hat. (Exhibiting it.) Look here—­riddled!

Hedda.  Couldn’t help myself.  I am so horribly bored with TESMAN.  Everlastingly to be with a professional person!

Brack (sympathetically).  Our excellent TESMAN is certainly a bit of a bore. (Looks searchingly at her.) What on earth made you marry him?

Hedda.  Tired of dancing, my dear, that’s all.  And then I used TESMAN to take me home from parties; and we saw this villa; and I said I liked it, and so did he; and so we found some common ground, and here we are, do you see!  And I loathe TESMAN, and I don’t even like the villa now; and I do feel the want of an entertaining companion so!

[Illustration:  “I am a Norwegian literary man, and peculiar.”]

Brack.  Try me.  Just the kind of three-cornered arrangement that I like.  Let me be the third person in the compartment—­(confidentially)—­the tried friend, and, generally speaking, cock of the walk!

Hedda (audibly drawing in her breath).  I cannot resist your polished way of putting things.  We will conclude a triple alliance.  But hush!—­here comes TESMAN.

    [Enter GEORGE, with a number of books under his arm.