jokes were now and then a little legal, what did it matter?
Many of the audience were legal too, and that there is no better
audience the reports of the farces played here day after day
abundantly prove. They are out for fun, and therefore in an
appreciative and complaisant mood.

To prove a comedian's genius to the mere reader is a difficult
matter, and one can never hope to re-embody him in all his humorous
idiosyncracies; but quotation comes to one's aid, and in the case
of such a wit as CHARLES DARLING it is invaluable. Thus JOHN SIMON,
referring to Mrs. SIDDONS' unwieldiness in her old age, said that in
a certain part she had to be helped from her knees by two attendants.
Quick as lightning came the comment, "When she was younger she was
able to rise on her own merits." Was ever so exquisitely funny and
unexpected a turn given to the dull word "merits"? Another
perfect thing from this diverting piece, followed also by Homeric
cachinnations, was the mock-serious apophthegm: "If a cloud is going
to support a lady of substantial proportions, you must make it fairly
solid."

I came away with reluctance, filled with wonder at the want of
enterprise shown by our revue-managers in not having, long ere now,
secured CHARLES DARLING'S services. If only he continues to take
his art seriously he has a great future. Meanwhile I am applying
embrocation to my sore sides.

* * * * *

NATURE NOTES.

_"The Gloaming,"_

_North Kensington_.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I wonder if any of your intelligent readers
have noticed the wonderful adaptability of Nature, of which I
send you the following remarkable instance:--The yellowhammer,
which we are always told sings, "A little bit of bread and no
che-e-ese," has (unless my ears grossly deceive me) changed
its words this year to "A little bit of cheese and no
bre-e-ead!" Need I say more?

Your obedient servant, OBSERVATOR.

* * * * *

"Mr. Isaac L.---- is in Cape Town. We hope the change will do
Mrs. L.---- good."--_Weekly Paper_.

We trust that no domestic differences are indicated.

* * * * *

"The bread ...had been collected from local hostels and
barracks for pigs."--_Daily Mail_.

Does the writer delicately hesitate to call a sty a sty, or has the
internment of the food-hog really begun?

* * * *