ncies, for we now and
then find an amount of breakage which, if our servants are to be
believed, has not been done by any earthly agency.

* * * * *

AN EXEMPLARY ELEPHANT.

The performance of the Elephant that stands upon its head at Astley's is
very seasonable. It represents the Balance of Power, which we wish LORD
ABERDEEN could preserve in Europe as cleverly as the sagacious quadruped
contrives to do on another theatre.

* * * * *

THE HEIGHT OF ABSURDITY.--The height at which in the present day shirt
collars are worn.

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE RUSSIAN NAVAL VICTORY.

_Giles (a great politician)._ "HEY! DANG IT! TURKS BE DONE THIS TOIME;
'STEAD O' UM'S TAK'N UM, UM'S TAK'N UM."]

* * * * *

A LIVING SUPERIORITY.--Woman has this great advantage over Man--she
proves her will in her lifetime, whilst Man is obliged to wait till he
is dead.

* * * * *

[Illustration: ABERDEEN ON DUTY.

_A--b--n._ "I SHAN'T INTERFERE TILL THEY CALL MURDER!"]

* * * * *

SURE SYMPTOMS OF CHRISTMAS.

(_By a Surly Old Bachelor._)

[Illustration: P]

Punch,--I know Christmas is coming from certain well-known symptoms that
never fail to present themselves at this time of the year:--

Because my landlady is so extremely civil to me, and brings me my
shaving-water the moment I ring for it.

Because I have not had to complain for two weeks about my boots, and the
coal-scuttle is generally pretty full of coals.

Because the breakfast is laid before I am up, and when I ask for toast
with my tea in the evening, the kitchen fire has not once been out.

Because the impudent news-boy has been much earlier with the newspaper
than usual.

Because, wherever I have called, I haven't had cold meat for dinner for
ever so long--for two weeks at least.

Because I cannot get my bills in from my tradesmen--they smile, and
scrape their feet in their vile sawdust, and murmur something about "any
time will do, Sir," and present me with French plum and bonbon-boxes,
and fancy I have nothing better to do than to lay in a plantation of
Christmas trees.

Because the crossing-sweeper takes his hat off to me every time I pass.

Because the Beadle has been wonderfully profuse with his cocked hat, and
the pew-opener, within the last fortnight, has nea