nstitutional--powers, to whom the personal direction of
the whole of the arrangements (subject to the approval of the committee)
should be confided. A pale young gentleman, in a green stock and
spectacles of the same, a member of the honourable society of the Inner
Temple, immediately rose for the purpose of proposing Mr. Percy Noakes.
He had known him long, and this he would say, that a more honourable, a
more excellent, or a better-hearted fellow, never existed.--(Hear, hear!)
The young gentleman, who was a member of a debating society, took this
opportunity of entering into an examination of the state of the English
law, from the days of William the Conqueror down to the present period;
he briefly adverted to the code established by the ancient Druids;
slightly glanced at the principles laid down by the Athenian law-givers;
and concluded with a most glowing eulogium on pic-nics and constitutional
rights.

Mr. Alexander Briggs opposed the motion. He had the highest esteem for
Mr. Percy Noakes as an individual, but he did consider that he ought not
to be intrusted with these immense powers--(oh, oh!)--He believed that in
the proposed capacity Mr. Percy Noakes would not act fairly, impartially,
or honourably; but he begged it to be distinctly understood, that he said
this, without the slightest personal disrespect. Mr. Hardy defended his
honourable friend, in a voice rendered partially unintelligible by
emotion and brandy-and-water. The proposition was put to the vote, and
there appearing to be only one dissentient voice, Mr. Percy Noakes was
declared duly elected, and took the chair accordingly.

The business of the meeting now proceeded with rapidity. The chairman
delivered in his estimate of the probable expense of the excursion, and
every one present subscribed his portion thereof. The question was put
that 'The Endeavour' be hired for the occasion; Mr. Alexander Briggs
moved as an amendment, that the word 'Fly' be substituted for the word
'Endeavour'; but after some debate consented to withdraw his opposition.
The important ceremony of balloting then commenced. A tea-caddy was
placed on a table in a dark corner of the apartment, and every one was
provided with two backgammon men, one black and one white.

The chairman with great solemnity then read the following list of the
guests whom he proposed to introduce:--Mrs. Taunton and two daughters,
Mr. Wizzle, Mr. Simson. The names were respectively balloted fo