Mr. RUDOLF LEHMANN possesses some gifts which peculiarly qualify him to write the volume SMITH, ELDER & CO. publish, under the title _An Artist's Reminiscences_. He has passed the age of three-score and ten, and has throughout that period had many opportunities of seeing places, and, more precious, of meeting people. To the study of both he brings keen sight, a good memory, and a genuine, not too obtrusive, sense of humour. Born in Hamburg in 1819, he has sojourned in most of the capitals of Europe, permanently settling down to marriage and life in London. He seems to have known most of the notable personages of the middle and latter half of the century. His wide acquaintance with royalty (some of them mad) would be appalling if it were not mentioned with winning modesty. The volume abounds in good stories, my Baronite particularly delighting in one pertaining to the ceremony of prorogation of parliament by the QUEEN. Mr. LEHMANN was much struck with the spectacle of the old Duke of WELLINGTON carrying the sword of state, Lord LANSDOWNE bearing the crown, and the Marquis of WINCHESTER with the cap of maintenance set on red velvet cushion. At Lady GRANVILLE'S the same evening he asked Lord GRANVILLE what was the significance of the cap of maintenance. It was one of the few things Lord GRANVILLE did not know. "But," he said, "there is Lord WINCHESTER, who carried it this morning. I will go and ask him." The two peers conversed in a whisper, and Lord GRANVILLE, returning to his inquiring friend, said, "He does not know either." Mr. LEHMANN incidentally mentions that his brother HENRY'S first success, at the Salon of 1835, was gained by a picture setting forth "_Le Départ du Jeune Tobie_." At that date TOBY had not even arrived to take his place on the volumes in his master's study, and still less, was he M.P. for Barks. It only shows how prophetic is the soul of genius. THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS. * * * * * NEW YEAR REFLECTION. (_By an Old-fashioned Fellow._) "Goodwill to man!" the dear old carol saith. Ah me! Then why so much mean personal pother? We're credulous of aught that means the scathe Of a sad sister, or a stumbling brother. Men are like stout JOHN BUNYAN'S "Little Faith,"-- Save in believing evil of each other! There faith indeed is strong; but 'tis a rarity That such strange Faith is found combined with Charity! * * * * * MEM. BY A MUSER.--Many a spouting member of the "Independent Labour Party" is a "party" who wishes to be independent of labour. _Hardie_ Norsemen, please note! * * * * * [Illustration: PREPARING FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY PANTOMIME. THEATRE ROYAL, ST. STEPHEN'S. PARTY COLOURISTS AT WORK ON THE PROPERTIES.] * * * * * TO JULIA'S POCKET.