WANTED—SIMPLICITY.
Mr. Punch
Is the English language a thing to be ashamed of? I put the question, because in a weekly literary journal, printed and published in London in the mother tongue, I have just read, not without some rubbing of eyes and much mental bewilderment, the following singular announcement:—
"Institution of Civil Engineers.—The Emperor of Brésil was elected an Honorary Member."
I have never heard that Brazil has become a French possession, and I am positive that the Institution of Civil Engineers is not in Paris, but in Great George Street, Westminster. Why, then, Brésil? Crack this Brazil-nut for
Yours, unaffectedly,
Jno. Smith.
P.S.—Can fish talk? I ask this second question, after seeing that another periodical publication contains an article with the heading, "Perch Prattle."