* * * * *

“At a meeting of the King George High School, Kasauli:  ’Resolved, that the school be closed for to-day to commemorate the recapture of Kut, for which permission has been so kindly accorded by Pundit Hari Das Sahib, M.A.’”—­ Indian Paper.

We are all, General MAUDE included, very much obliged to the Pundit.

* * * * *

A MISNOMER.

Once upon a time, in the midst of the most detestable Spring ever known—­a Spring consisting entirely of hopes of better weather, raised for no other purpose than to be so thwarted and dashed that the spirits of that brave and much harassed creature, man, might sink still lower—­once upon a time, even in this Spring, there was a fine evening.  It was more than fine, it was tender, and, owing to a North wind, wonderfully luminous, and I walked slowly along the hedges—­which were still bare, although April was far advanced—­and listened to the blackbirds, and marvelled at the light that made everything so beautiful, and was filled with gratitude to the late WILLIAM WILLETT for re-arranging our foolish hours.

I soon reached a favourite meadow, with a view of the hills and clumps of gorse in it, and, since there were clumps of gorse, many, many of those alluring little creatures which live in the ground and provide man with numbers of benefits—­such as sweet flesh to put into pies; and cheap, soft, warm fur to wrap Baby Buntings in; and stubby tails, or scuts, to be used in hot-houses for transferring pollen that peach-blossoms may be fertilised, and (latterly) symbols for Government clerks who prefer civilian clothes and comfort to khaki and warfare; and (in Wales) toasted cheese.  I refer to rabbits.

As I stood motionless in this meadow watching the yellowing sky, I was aware of an Homeric contest quite close to me.  Two rabbits wore engaged in a terrific battle.  They kicked and they scratched and made the most furious attacks on each other.  The fur flew and the ground resounded to their thuds.  First one seemed to be winning and then the other, but there was no flinching.

I had heard of rabbits fighting, but I had never seen it before.  “Very unfair to have called them Cuthberts,” I said to myself.

* * * * *

    “The ——­ Company have several second-hand cars for sale, starter and
    non-starter models; petrol consumption low.”—­The Autocar.

Particularly that of the non-starters.

* * * * *

    “Good General:  sold cheap if taken over this week; good reasons for
    leaving.”—­Liverpool Paper.

Can this be HINDENBURG?

* * * * *

    “The Rev. Stuart Holden, on behalf of the Strength of Britain Movement,
    spoke of the enthusiasm for prohibition of audiences throughout the
    country.”—­The Times.