g extracts from one of our manuscript folio volumes, for the
purpose of insertion in the different metropolitan daily papers;--here
they are"--taking a small bundle from his pocket, tied round with red
tape,--"one for each paper: permit me, gentlemen, for a moment just to
look over the endorsations."

The triumvirate now seated themselves on a tombstone, and Old Mortality
untying the bundle of extracts, laid them down in loose compact; then
taking up the first, and reading the superscription, shewing for what
newspaper it was intended, he reversed it on the tombstone.--"This,"
said he, "is for "_The Times, British Press, Morning Post, Morning
Chronicle, Morning Advertiser, Morning Herald, Public Ledger_,--all
right,--and sorted, as the postman sorts his letters: I shall take,
first of all, Printing-house Square, the others are in a direct line of
delivery." This important arrangement made, he took up one paper from
the bundle, and read the contents with an audible voice:--~~307~~~

SPECIMEN OF MONUMENTAL GLEANINGS,

Extracted from the manuscript folio of a new compilation of Epitaphs,
serious and eccentric, now in collection, from numerous Dormitories in
Great Britain and Ireland; To be completed with all possible expedition,
And will be ushered to the patronage of a discerning Public, in
Twenty-five quarto volumes.

In the Church-yard of Winchester, Hants.

Here lies interred a Hampshire Grenadier,
Who got his death by drinking cold small beer.
Soldiers, take heed from his untimely fall,
And if you drink, drink strong, or none at all.

In Stepney Church-yard.

Here lies the body of Daniel Saut,
Spitalfields weaver,--and that's all.

In Chigwem Church-yard.

This disease you ne'er heard tell on,
I died of eating too much melon;
Be careful then all you that feed--I
Suffer'd, because I was too greedy.

In St. John's, Leeds.

_Hic jacet_, sure the fattest man
That Yorkshire stingo made;
He was a lover,--of his can,
A clothier by his trade.
His waist did measure three yards round,
He weighed almost three hundred pound;
His flesh did weigh full twenty stone,--
His flesh, I say--he had no bone,--
At least 'tis said that he had none.

Eltham.