t--the authenticity of
the _Zend_?

"I think it would not, and support my opinion by reasons founded on the
following facts.

"The _Asmani Zuban_ of the Desstu is most intimately allied to Persian.
It is, in fact, fabricated out of that language, as is shown by clear
internal evidence. Now the grammatical structure of this fictitious
tongue is identical with that of Persian: and hence by following the
rules of Persian grammar, a grammar of the _Asmani Zuban_ might be
easily framed. But would this work advance the cause of forgery, and
tend to invest it with the quality of truth? No more, I answer, and for
the same reason, than is a grammar of the _Zend_, founded on the
Vyacaran, to be received in proof of the authenticity of that
language."

KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE.

_The Duke's first Victory._--Perhaps it may interest the future author of
the life of the Duke of Wellington to be informed of his _first victory_.
It was not in India, as commonly supposed, but on Donnybrook Road, near
Dublin, that his first laurels were won. This appears from the _Freeman's
Journal_, September 18th, 1789, where we learn that in consequence of a
wager between him and Mr. Whaley of 150 guineas, the Hon. Arthur Wesley
walked from the five-mile stone on Donnybrook Road to the corner of the
circular road in Leeson Street, in fifty-five minutes, and that a number of
gentlemen rode with the walker, whose horses he kept in a tolerable smart
trot. When it is recollected that those were Irish miles, even deducting
the distance from Leeson Street to the Castle, whence the original
measurements were made, this walk must be computed at nearly six English
miles.

OMICRON.

_Straw Paper._--Various papers manufactured of straw are now in the market.
The pen moves so easily over any and all of them, that literary men should
give them a trial. As there seems considerable likelihood of this
manufacture being extensively introduced, on account of the dearness of
rags, &c., it is to be hoped that it will not be _improved_ into the
resemblance of ordinary paper. Time was when ordinary paper could be
written on in comfort, but that which adulterated Falstaff's sack spoiled
it for the purpose, and converted it into limed twigs to catch the winged
pen.

M.

_American Epitaph_ (Vol. viii., p. 273.).--The following lines are to be
seen on a tombstone in Virginia:

"My name, my country, what are they