(particularly such as
mine)." It thus appears that the alleged misunderstanding between MR.
SOMMER and his instrument was a mere coolness on the part of the latter
only. The notes seem to have been partially frozen in; and if, during
the subsequent thaw, any of them came out again, as in a memorable
instance, perhaps MR. SOMMER will state the circumstance. Possibly, as
the Sommerophone had got a cold, it would have completed its solo later
in the evening in question, if its proprietor had given it a basin of
gruel and put it into hot water before going to bed. We have no doubt of
the truth of that gentleman's assertion as regards most brass
instruments; but he is mistaken in extending it to all. It has not been
observed in the House of Commons that cold weather particularly affects
the tone of the POPE'S Brass Band.

We knew that vocalists were liable to colds, and other contingencies of
climate; but this is the first time we ever heard of a musical
instrument being subject to fits of indisposition. If apologies are
henceforth to be accepted for trumpets, ophecleides, and other brazen
instruments, as well as for tenors and sopranos, we shall be constantly
troubled with excuses on behalf of some capricious trombone seized
suddenly with an affection of the windpipe, and, in the trombone, the
pipe through which the wind is conveyed is of a somewhat delicate
texture. The Professor threatens that his next performance shall be
accompanied by a full orchestra; but if it should happen that all the
brazen instruments are suffering from bronchial or any other affection
of their tubes, the result will be far from agreeable.

* * * * *

FIFTY THOUSAND CURES

Of drowsiness, dejection, dolour, dulness, depression, ennui,
ill-humour, indigestion (mental) from political or other reading, loss
of temper, low spirits, melancholy, moroseness, mental anxiety (as, for
instance, on a railway journey), sulks, stupefaction (by a debate in
Common Council), sleepiness, spleen, general used-upishness, and many
other complaints, have already been effected by the use of _Punch's
Almanack_, which is Sold by Everybody, and bought by the rest. The
infant may take it as well as the adult, as it is warranted free from
all impurity, and contains nothing hurtful to the weakest mental
stomach.

* * * * *

ANYTHING BUT AN ALDERMAN'S MOTTO.--"Dinner forget."

* * *