n Kemble, speaking of the Botany Bay theatricals, an
account of which appeared in the papers a few months since. "Yes,"
replied the tragedian, "the performers ought to be all good, for they
have been selected and sent to that situation by very excellent
_judges_!"

* * * * *

_An Irish forgery._--At a provincial assize not long since, in Ireland,
an attorney was tried upon a capital charge of forgery. The trial was
extremely long, when after much sophistry from the counsel, and the most
minute investigation of the judge, it appeared to the complete
satisfaction of a crowded court, that the culprit had forged the
_signature of a man who could neither read nor write_!

* * * * *

A woman lately brought before a country magistrate, behaving with much
confidence, was told by his worship that she had brass enough in her
face to make a five gallon kettle. "Yes," answered she, "and there is
sap enough in your head to _fill it_."

* * * * *

_Anecdotes of Macklin._

Macklin was very intimate with Frank Hayman (at that time one of our
first historical painters) and happening to call upon him one morning,
soon after the death of the painter's wife with whom he lived but on
indifferent terms, he found him wrangling with the undertaker about the
extravagance of the funeral expenses. Macklin listened to the
altercation for some time: at last, going up to Hayman, with great
gravity he observed, Come, come, Frank, though the bill is a little
extravagant, pay it in respect to the memory of your wife: for by G-- I
am sure she would do twice as much for you had she the same opportunity.

* * * * *

A notorious egotist one day in a large company indirectly praising
himself for a number of good qualities which it was well known he had
not, asked Macklin the reason why he should have this propensity of
interfering in the good of others when he frequently met with unsuitable
returns? "I could tell you, sir," says Macklin. "Well do sir; you are a
man of sense and observation, and I should be glad of your definition."
"Why then sir, the cause is impudence--nothing but stark-staring
impudence."

* * * * *

A gentleman at a public dinner asking him inconsiderately Whether he
remembered Mrs. Barry, the celebrated actress who died about the latter
end of queen Ann's reign, he plant