e trenches.

* * *

A London magistrate has ruled that poker is a game of chance. He was
evidently unacquainted with the leading case in America, where, on the
same point arising, the judge, the counsel and the parties adjourned for
a quiet game, and the defendant triumphantly demonstrated that it was a
game of skill.

* * *

In an article describing the wonders of modern French surgery Mrs. W. K.
Vanderbilt mentioned that she had watched an operation in which a part
of a man's rib was taken out and used as a jawbone. "Pooh!" said the
much-married general practitioner who read it, "that's as old as Adam."

* * *

A man who applied recently to be enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps as a
carpenter was medically rejected because he had a hammer toe. If he had
lost a nail we could have understood it.

* * *

The following letter has been received by the matron of an Indian
hospital:--

"Dear and fair Madam,-I have much pleasure to inform you that my
dearly unfortunate wife will be no longer under your care, she
having left this world for the next on the 27th ult. For your help
in this matter I shall ever remain grateful. Yours reverently,
----."

* * *

A correspondent, anxious about etiquette, writes:--"Sir,--The other day
I offered my seat to the lady-conductor of a tramcar. Did I
right?--Yours truly, Noblesse Oblige."

* * *

It is stated that one of the principal items of discussion during the
new Session of the Prussian Diet will be a Supplementary War Bill. Some
of the members are expected to protest, on the ground that the present
War is quite sufficient, thank you.

* * * * *

INTELLECTUAL RETRENCHMENT.

[The annual expenses that will be saved by the closing of the London
Museums and Galleries amount to about one-fifth of the public money
spent on the salaries of Members of Parliament.]

Fetch out your padlocks, bolt and bar the portals,
That none may worship at the Muses' shrine;
Seal up the gifts bequeathed by our Immortals
To be the birthright of their ancient line;
At luxury if you would strike a blow,
Let Art and Science be the first to go.

Close down the fanes that guard the golden treasure
Wrung by our hands from Nature's hidden wealth;
Treat them as idle haunts of wanton pleasure,
Extremely noxious to the nation's health;
Show that our statesmanship at least has won
A