"Just the weather for receiving a sharp retort," observed our laughing Philosopher, with his snow-boots on. Naturally his friend wished to know why. "Because," replied Dr. Chuckler, "with the temperature below zero, no one can object to having a wrap over the knuckles." Then away he went merrily over the unartificial ice on the Serpentine.


TOBY TO H.R.H.

[À propos of cropping dogs' ears, a letter from Sir F. Knollys appeared last week in the Stock-Keeper, informing an inquirer that H.R.H. had never allowed any dog of his to be "mutilated," and was pleased to hear that "owners of dogs had agreed to abandon so objectionable a practice.">[

We humbly thank the Prince of Wales,

Henceforth we'll keep our ears and tails

Intact, and shall not dread the shears

Which used to crop our tails and ears.