churches there. It may aid you in
identifying the party, if we add that he was in the habit of smoking a
good deal on Saturday evenings. We shall be happy if our information
enables you to recover your estate and title.

RUNIC.--Your lines are very pretty, and shall appear as soon as ever we
can make room for them, probably in September or October, 1873. You need
not wait until their appearance before sending the game.

JUVENIS.--The epigram is by MARTIAL, and runs, correctly, thus:--

_Spes prima facie largo factotum amicus,
Curiae per contra nil desperandum gratis._

Which may be translated--but, on second thoughts, we invite our young
classical friends to send us in their translations of this very terse
and sparkling epigram. The name of the first and second best shall be
given, as also that of the worst, if he lets us know it.

JOSHUA R.--We are not aware that the "Finding the Dead Body of Harold"
has ever been made the subject of a painting, but now you have suggested
it, we have no doubt that some artist will take the idea with
thankfulness. We are always glad to be the vehicle for conveying such
hints, and may mention that we have often wondered that neither _Gil
Blas_, nor the _Vicar of Wakefield_ has supplied subjects for painters.

MURPHY.--We do not profess to be weatherwise, but we believe that it has
been observed, that before rain swallows fly high, dogs are unusually
brisk and active and will not eat grass, waterfowl keep on the surface
of the water, fish bite greedily, toads disappear, and sheep and cattle
seem remarkably calm and comfortable. We can hardly tell you "how to
avert the consequences of rain," but a good deal might be done by
staying within doors.

A MOTHER.--Your excuse is a common one, but it is your business to know
that he is out. Respecting the demand of your youngest son for cigar
money and a latch key, we think you perfectly justified in refusing
either until he is eight years old. And though we consider all coercion
as objectionable, we cannot blame you for fastening the street door
top-bolt, which is above his reach, to prevent his going alone to
Vauxhall at half-past eleven at night. But beware of severity, and talk
to him of the beauty of virtue, and the social advantages of
subordination.

BACKFIN.--Sturgeon abound in the Hampstead ponds, but as they belong to
the Lord of the Manor, Sir T. M. Wilson, no one will fish for them. We
have ourselves taken salmon, in the Ne