machinery up, whereupon the lion opens his lower jaw and emits a mild bleat, while ANDROCLES turns his head from side to side in bland surprise.) This lion is the largest forestbred and blackmaned specimen ever imported into this country—­the other lion standing beyind (disparagingly), has nothing whatever to do with the tableau, ’aving been shot recently in Africa by Mr. STANLEY, the two figgers at the side repperesent the Boy Murderers who killed their own father at Crewe with a ’atchet and other ’orrible barbarities.  I shall conclude the Collection by showing you the magnificent group repperesentin’ Her Gracious Majisty the QUEEN, as she appeared in ’er ’appier and younger days, surrounded by the late Mr. SPURGEON, the ’Eroes of the Soudan, and other Members of the Royal Fam’ly.

INSIDE THE CIRCUS.

    After some tight-rope, juggling, and boneless performances
    have been given in the very limited arena, the Clown has
    introduced the Learned Pony.

Clown. Now, little Pony, go round the Company and pick me out the little boy as robs the Farmer’s orchard.

    [The Pony trots round, and thrusts his nose confidently into
    a Small Boy’s face.

Small Boy (indignantly).  Ye’re a liar, Powney; so theer!

Clown. Now, see if you can find me the little gal as steals her mother’s jam and sugar.  Look sharp now, don’t stand there playin’ with yer bit!

A Little Girl (penitently, as the Accusing Quadruped halts in front of her).  Oh, please, Pony, I won’t never do it no more!

Clown. Now go round and pick me out the Young Man as is fond o’ kissin’ the girls and married ladies when their ‘usbands is out o’ the way. (The Pony stops before an Infant in Arms.) ’Ere, think what yer doin’ now.  You don’t mean ’im, do you? (The Pony shakes his head.) Is it the Young Man standin’ just beyind as is fond o’ kissin the girls? (The Pony nods.) Ah, I thought so!

The Rustic Lothario (with a broad grin).  It’s quoite tri-ew!

Clown. Now I want you, little Pony, to go round and tell me who’s the biggest rogue in the company. (Reassuringly, as the Pony goes round, and a certain uneasiness is perceptible among some of the spectators).  I ’ope no Gentleman ’ere will be offended by bein’ singled out, for no offence is intended,—­it is merely a ’armless—­(Finds the Pony at his elbow.) Why, you rascal! do you mean to say I’m the biggest rogue ’ere? (The Pony nods.) You’ve been round, and can’t find a bigger rogue than me in all this company? (Emphatic shake of the head from Pony; secret relief of inner circle of Spectators.) You and me’ll settle this later!

First Spectator (as audience disperses).  That war a clever Pony, sart’nly!

Second Spect. Ah, he wur that. (Reflectively.) I dunno as I shud keer partickler ’bout ’avin of ’im, though!